History TheNightUnfurls / TropesEToN

* HunterOfMonsters: Kyril used to be a Hunter in Yharnam, responsible for hunting down beasts, madmen, and all sorts of monstrosities, to purge those who [[AxCrazy lost themselves to bloodlust]] and transformed into beasts. After reaching Eostia, he puts down roving packs of orcs and bandits to [[OnlyInItForTheMoney earn some coin]].

* LightningBruiser: Kyril is the closest to an end-game hunter who has successfully mastered the [[AttackAttackAttack ferocious fighting style]] that defines ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' as a whole. Power-wise, beneath his lean build is an unstoppable [[spoiler:eldritch]] force that overpowers any named fighters (Claudia, Vault, and the like) and one-shots orcs, greenskins who are unreasonably tough for one's blade to cut through. His [[SpellBlade Holy Moonlight]] [[{{BFS}} Sword]] can also deal tons of damage for crowd control, arguably the most potent weapon out of all. Speed-wise, he is faster than any character in the fanfic bar none. Aside from dodges, strafes, and side-steps, he has also shown with the unique ability to FlashStep, though whether this is due to him using the Art of Quickening [[spoiler:or part of his overworldly might]] is unclear. Whenever he fights, there will be at least one instance where his foe is surprised by not only his strength, but also how lightning fast he is. Toughness-wise, he is capable of [[JustAFleshWound enduring punishment that would have made one faint]], as if he [[FeelNoPain feels no pain]]. In case his injuries are serious enough, he always has a Blood Vial ready to heal himself back in tip-top shape. To top it off, all of the above attributes are cranked up to eleven when he [[SuperMode eats a Beast Blood Pellet]][[note]]this one is yet to be featured in the remastered version[[/note]].

* LightningBruiser: Compared with his four apprentices, all of whom are skilled hunters in their own right, Kyril is the closest to an end-game hunter who has successfully mastered the [[AttackAttackAttack ferocious fighting style]] that defines ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' as a whole. Power-wise, beneath his lean build is an unstoppable [[spoiler:eldritch]] force that overpowers any named fighters (Claudia, Vault, and the like) and one-shots orcs, greenskins who are unreasonably tough for one's blade to cut through. His [[SpellBlade Holy Moonlight]] [[{{BFS}} Sword]] can also deal tons of damage for crowd control, arguably the most potent weapon out of all. Speed-wise, he is faster than any character in the fanfic bar none. Aside from dodges, strafes, and side-steps, he has also shown with the unique ability to FlashStep, though whether this is due to him using the Art of Quickening [[spoiler:or part of his overworldly might]] is unclear. Whenever he fights, there will be at least one instance where his foe is surprised by not only his strength, but also how lightning fast he is. Toughness-wise, he is capable of [[JustAFleshWound enduring punishment that would have made one faint]], as if he [[FeelNoPain feels no pain]]. In case his injuries are serious enough, he always has a Blood Vial ready to heal himself back in tip-top shape. To top it off, all of the above attributes are taken up to eleven when he [[SuperMode eats a Beast Blood Pellet]].

* EldritchAbomination: This is a ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' fanfic we're talking about after all! Though not a prominent element, given that this fanfic is more of a DarkFantasy than a CosmicHorrorStory, the SerialEscalation that happens in the Rad and Lizards Arcs feature a couple of these popping out:
** The climax of the Tragedy of Rad Arc features one of Shamuhaza's creations as such. A [[MixAndMatchCritters "deformed, ungodly amalgamation of mortal and eldritch minds"]] that appeared from a void in the sky, this abomination is [[MythologyGag a non-subtle reference to The One Reborn]].
** [[spoiler:Taking the "madman-who-delves-in-the-Eldritch-Truth" archetype to its logical conclusion, Shamuhaza [[EldritchTransformation ends up becoming one himself]], named "The Inane One".]] Described as "[[UnskilledButStrong thick with power but with less intelligence]]", [[InsectoidAliens with an insectoid appearance]], the fact that he is even seen residing in a great lake is [[MythologyGag an obvious reference to Rom, the Vacuous Spider]].
** [[spoiler:A rare heroic example, [[HumanoidAbomination Kyril is secretly a great one in human form]]. Obtaining the Childhood's Beginning ending in the game would do that.]] Throughout the story, [[spoiler:he [[WillfullyWeak deliberately inhibits]] his otherworldly might, so as to prevent [[GoMadFromTheRevelation unnecessary collateral damage]] as a result of exposure to [[TheseAreThingsManWasNotMeantToKnow the Eldritch Truth]]. Only a glimpse of his true form is subtly shown, that is, a GiantEyeOfDoom. While almost every character, even the readers, have no idea about the full extent of his power, it is safe to say that this is for their own good. Just look at [[FateWorseThanDeath what happens]] to Shamuhaza when he is shown whatever is behind Kyril's mask. [[DeathGlare One gaze]] is enough to send another [[AndIMustScream thrashing in agony, forever]].]]
* EldritchLocation: There would be a number of these places throughout this ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' fanfic.

* HumanoidAbomination: [[spoiler:The Good Hunter, who achieved the Childhood's Beginning Ending, has the [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith appearance]] of a [[LeanAndMean lean]], [[ConditionedToAcceptHorror tired]] man in his twenties.]] [[spoiler:[[SubvertedTrope Thankfully]], the "incomprehensible" part only applies to his [[LovecraftianSuperpower power]], not his [[AntiHero morality or worldview]].]]

* FireBreathingWeapon: Both Kyril and Lily use the Flamesprayer as an offhand weapon for [[KillItWithFire setting crowds of foes ablaze]]. For the former, it is also used to [[CruelAndUnusualDeath burn prisoners alive during interrogation]].

** Chapter 1 of the original has Kyril resting in an abandoned farm with a fireplace in it. He puts down his weapon, stares at the fire, falls asleep, and enters his more comfortable [[PocketDimension pocket abode]] -- the Hunter's Dream.
** Kyril and Celestine meet in the Hunter's Dream in Chapter 12 of the original. A fireplace is present, heating up a kettle of tea for host and guest. The warmth and peacefulness of Kyril's home is emphasised, with Celestine internally noting that the normally morose fellow's mood has improved significantly.
** The remastered version features a scene between Kyril and Olga near a fireplace. While the former is tending to the fire, Olga is comfortable with revealing her reasons for her [[FantasticRacism hatred]] towards humans, and starting a ForeverWar because of said hatred. Their conversation even ends with Kyril beckoning her to come close to the fire to help her feel better.

* EvilFormerFriend: Olga, the ArcVillain of the first StoryArc is this to TheHighQueen Celestine. They were close until they came to blows over the fate of humanity. Their friendship fell apart by the time Olga declared war on Celestine's kingdom, starting [[ForeverWar a war that lasted for centuries]]. Later {{subverted}} after their reconciliation, together with the Black Dogs stepping up to become the BigBad of this fanfic.

* FaintingSeer: {{Downplayed}} for Celestine. She has yet to experience a [[FreakOut severe breakdown]] from her visions, but there isn't a single moment where she reacts positively. The other half of her vision regarding Kyril, which depicts a BloodSplatteredWarrior AtopAMountainOfCorpses, leaves her chilly and frightened. Particularly, Celestine's P.O.V. in the remastered version reveals that she feels burdened from her oftentimes painful visions.

* FallenPrincess: [[ExaggeratedTrope Exaggerated]] for Olga. She starts off as TheDreaded Queen of the Dark Elves, only to suffer defeat in the hands of the Black Dogs, and is taken prisoner. She even goes through an extra BreakTheHaughty sequence in the remastered version.

* FanServiceWithASmile: Grace Campbell, like many other barmaids who work in [[FantasyTavern stock fantasy bars/inns/taverns]], wears a [[{{Fanservice}} Fanservice-y]] outfit, namely a purple halterneck and a long sarong that accentuates her legs.

* FourTemperamentEnsemble: Kyril and his four apprentices demonstrate these traits:
** Melancholic: Kyril Sutherland. Despite being both the [[MentorArchetype mentor]] and leader of all four apprentices, he is a [[TheStoic stoic]] and brooding ShellShockedVeteran who aims to end the war against the Black Dogs as quick as possible, highlighting his straightforward and task-oriented nature.
** Choleric: Sanakan. The [[ScreamingWarrior loud]], brash {{tomboy}} of the bunch who [[BrutalHonesty speaks her mind freely]]. Always restless and [[BloodKnight eager to fight]].
** Phlegmatic: Hugh. Being mute is hardly an impediment to his [[NiceGuy pleasantness]] and [[{{Pollyanna}} optimism]]. In fact, it perfectly complements his elegant yet deadly hunting style.
** Sanguine: Lily. [[GoodIsNotSoft One must not equate her relative peacefulness absent from typical sanguines with compliancy]]. Not only she is the most [[TheDeterminator focused and committed]] of the group, the fact that she is able to [[TheFace strike up conversations]] and [[TheHeart deescalate tensions]] highlights her people-oriented nature. She also enjoys [[TheGadfly teasing]] Sanakan about her relationship with Hugh.
** Eclectic: Soren. He doesn't fit in any of the four temperaments, seeing that he neither possesses the seriousness of a melancholic, the [[HotBlooded passion]] of a choleric, the [[NiceGuy pleasantness]] of a phlegmatic, nor the sociability of a sanguine. Rather, he is characterised as [[NervousWreck nervous]] and lacking in confidence, yet [[WellDoneSonGuy willing to prove himself towards his master]], even if it means taking risks.

* FreudianExcuse: Chloe was [[spoiler:[[ChildByRape born of rape]], the [[HalfHumanHybrid product]] of a human father and a dark elf mother. She, along with other dark elves, were then taken as slaves to be entertainment by human slavers, while her mother was murdered by her own father]]. Fortunately, Chloe was saved by Olga, who, like herself, witnessed the enslavement of her kind. Growing up into Olga's loyal vassal, she would later develop jerkassery and FantasticRacism towards humanity, as well as a [[UndyingLoyalty fervour]] to her liege lady's [[AntiHumanAlliance cause]].

* GenkiGirl: Flippant, enthusiastic, and constantly wearing a toothy grin on her face, Luu-Luu is the hyper one among the Seven Shields. These traits [[spoiler:are lost once she gets subjected to FaceFullOfAlienWingWong thanks to [[EvilSorceror Shamuhaza]], remaining a husk of her former self. Ooof.]]

* GodEmpress: [[TheHighQueen High Elf Queen]], Celestine Lucross, is known as the Goddess Reborn, the Goddess Incarnate, or simply [[CrystalDragonJesus the Goddess]]. She is a rare non-villainous example who rules her country via a literal case of DivineRightOfKings, which grants her the [[RoyaltySuperpower power]] to [[{{Seers}} see visions of the future]].
* GodInHumanForm: Celestine Lucross is the reincarnation of a goddess named gentle Laurendau, though her mortal shell is that of a [[OurElvesAreDifferent high elf]] rather than a human.

* GoldAndWhiteAreDivine: Celestine's blonde hair and [[ModestRoyalty modest]] white robe compliments her status as [[TheHighQueen the]] [[CrystalDragonJesus Goddess]] [[BigGood Reborn]].

* HairOfGoldHeartOfGold: Celestine Lucross has long blond hair, and she is TheHighQueen of Eostia.
* HairTriggerTemper: Normally speaking, Chloe reacts with fury towards anyone or anything she considers an affront to her liege lady Olga, making this instance more of a BerserkButton. [[AdaptationalJerkass Her counterpart in the remastered version]] magnifies this trait, together with a tendency to antagonize people and rant about how [[HumansAreBastards humans suck]]. Her FantasticRacism towards humans only fuels her fervor. It is quickly [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructed]] to show how problematic her behaviour is -- Chloe comes across as an InsufferableImbecile whose lack of restraint is a source of discord among the GreatEscape party. Her antagonising [[WorldsStrongestMan Kyril]] also veers into BullyingADragon territory, something that Olga and Kyril himself have warned. The latter has explicitly stated that should Chloe be incapable of cooperating, he would "[[DeadlyEuphemism rescind his amnesty]]".

* HarpOfFemininity: Both Chapters 23 and 30 feature a moment where Kyril visits Celestine's personal quarters. She is shown playing the harp, which accentuates her grace as [[OurElvesAreDifferent High Elf]] [[TheHighQueen Queen]].

* {{Hellfire}}: Olga's [[PlayingWithFire flames]] are said to be this, described as "hotter than hell itself". We don't know if some sort of "{{Hell}}" exists in the ''Kuroinu'' 'verse, though.

* TheHighKing: Celestine Lucross is the first among equals of [[TheAlliance the Seven Shields Alliance]], being the one who chose all seven Princess Knights, herself included, to govern their respective territories in Eostia.
* TheHighQueen: Celestine Lucross, High Elf Queen of Eostia, and [[{{Seers}} the]] [[GodEmperor Goddess]] [[CrystalDragonJesus Reborn]] herself. Known for her beauty and warmth, she has ruled with benevolence throughout her centuries-long reign as queen, especially during the period of the ForeverWar between her and her [[EvilFormerFriend former friend]] Olga. [[DeconstructedCharacterArchetype Deconstructed]] as she does not have a HundredPercentAdorationRating (because it is simply not possible for ''everyone'' to like a person, just like in RealLife), the [[ArmyOfThievesAndWhores Black Dogs]] and any [[TheMole traitors]] affiliated with them being the prime dissidents. Moreover, having a "good ruler" does not magically solve every problem in the country -- the ongoing [[WarIsHell warfare]], and the FantasticRacism, hence enslavement of dark elves (the latter being the underlying cause for a [[ForeverWar centuries-old war]] in the past) prove exactly that. Chapter 24 has Celestine coming into terms with this, resolving to [[TheWomanWearingTheQueenlyMask step up her game]].

* IOweYouMyLife:
** Grace offers to become Kyril's retainer because she feels like she owes him for saving her and her friends' lives. He accepts.
** In the remastered version, Olga says this trope word for word after Kyril breaks her and Chloe out of prison, with him replying, “[[ThinkNothingOfIt Thank me later]]”. Although she feels grateful about the rescue and ends up a part of his GreatEscape party, the trope is {{subverted}} by how Olga doesn't feel obligated to help him. It's not like she would suddenly forget that Kyril was the one who put her in a cell in the first place (because they were on opposing sides of a war). If anything, the fact that she is his prisoner irks her to no end.

* ImpossibleHourglassFigure: Olga is described by Kyril's P.O.V. to have a voluptuous body covered by a [[OfCorsetsSexy corset]]. Considering her design in ''Kuroinu'' canon (which encapsulates the entire package of big breasts, narrow waist, and wide hips), his narration is an {{understatement}}.

* TheKirk:
** Celestine has to balance the philosophies of [[HonorBeforeReason Claudia]] and [[NoNonsenseNemesis Kyril]] respectively.
** Prim qualifies in the remastered version, soothing the choler between the more [[TheMcCoy emotional]] Alicia and the more [[TheSpock distant]] Kyril.

* LadyOfBlackMagic: Olga Discordia. She is a haughty MsFanservice with magical prowess that rivals Celestine, the Goddess Reborn. Throughout both versions of the fanfic (moreso for the remastered one, courtesy of the additional fight between Olga and Kyril), she has shown a variety of magics, including: {{Mordor}} creation; [[PlayingWithFire fire manipulation]]; control over the Black Fortress; DeflectorShields; swiftness augmentation; [[BlownAcrossTheRoom knockback]]; [[DispelMagic anti]]-{{intangibility}}; and [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking trivial abilities like catching a pillow mid-air and sound muffling]].

* LogicalWeakness: For all of Olga's arcane might, she needs a [[PowerCrutch staff]] in order to cast her spells. Therefore, she's helpless [[WreckedWeapon once the staff is lost or gets broken]].

* ModestRoyalty:
** The aversion of RequisiteRoyalRegalia means that the Seven Shields and Olga would qualify... [[{{Subverted}} if one overlooks]] how their outfits seem to be designed for [[MsFanservice showing off their bodies/assets]].
** The remastered version tones down the {{fanservice}}, putting them a bit closer to this trope.
*** Prim is a {{subversion}}. She wears a white and pink dress during her first appearance, but the narration describes her dress as "the work of the finest tailors of Feoh and Ur", meaning that she falls into SimpleYetOpulent. Later [[DoubleSubversion double subverted]] as she wears a more practical white dress during the ride to Ken, which would take approximately three to five days.
*** For [[PlayedStraight straighter]] cases, there's [[TheHighQueen Celestine]], who wears a shawl and a white robe; [[{{Hobbits}} Luu-Luu]], who is clad in raw animal hide; and Kaguya, who looks like a {{Miko}}.

** Kyril might as well be the champion of what Stoicism ''should'' be. For starters, he's a [[CelibateHero celibate]] [[TheSpock Spock]] who hardly emotes. As a {{mentor}}, he imparts on his [[TheApprentice apprentices]] that no hunter can be truly effective when ruled over by emotions. As a FourStarBadass, he imparts on his MenOfSherwood that they are ''soldiers'', not children playing at war. The end result is that all of them prove to be competent fighters who get the job done. On the surface, Kyril comes across as [[NinetiesAntiHero brutal and heartless]], but his HiddenDepths reveal that he is not as [[TheUnfettered ruthless]] as people think he is. Kyril's [[ConsummateProfessional professionalism]] is what keeps him from [[HeWhoFightsMonsters becoming the very beasts he hunts]], and he has no problem empathising with others (though his blunt demeanour does hamper communication). Last but not least, Kyril doesn't "hide" or "suppress" his emotions -- he really is that dispassionate.

* FaintingSeer: The [[{{Seers}} power]] bestowed upon Celestine allows her to see visions of the future, but it also takes a toll on her mentally. [[{{Downplayed}} Luckily]], she has yet to experience a [[FreakOut severe breakdown]] from the stress.

* LegFocus: In the remastered version, Soren and Kyril meet two [[FanServiceWithASmile serving girls]] while securing lodging in a FantasyTavern. Soren notes that one of them is dressed in a long sarong that "accentuated her very fine legs".

*** [[FridgeBrilliance Until you realise]] that his first name, "Kyril", is derived from the Greek name Κύριλλος (Kýrillos) which in turn derives from Greek κύριος (kýrios), [[MeaningfulName which means "lord"]].

** Vault appears to be the Noble Male that everyone InUniverse looks up to, being a [[{{Hunk}} hunk-ish]], charismatic [[TheLeader leader]] of the most celebrated {{PMC}} group in the land, famed for his invaluable contributions towards the country of Eostia and the [[ForeverWar war]] against the [[EvilOverlord Dark Queen]]. A legend through and through. This guy would later reveal his true colours after winning the war. [[TheUsurper Usurping]] said Dark Queen, Vault turns out to be a [[HeManWomanHater really nasty]] Roguish Male who intends to [[EtTuBrute betray]] and [[AmbitionIsEvil conquer]] Eostia via MilitaryCoup, and turn the country into a NoWomansLand SexSlave [[TheEmpire Empire]], starting with the dark elf [[PrisonRape prisoners]] as a [[SexualEuphemism "test run"]]. What's more is that his "Noble Male" aspects, namely his charisma and reputation, allow him to [[VillainWithGoodPublicity amass substantial support for his cause]].
** Kyril appears to be the Roguish Male that everyone InUniverse [[TheDreaded dreads]], being a [[LeanAndMean lean]], [[DarkIsNotEvil sinister-looking]] [[MysteriousStranger stranger from a faraway land]], known for his [[TheStoic stoicism]], [[LonersAreFreaks asociality]], and [[{{Gorn}} bruta]][[CombatPragmatist lity]] against his enemies. A metaphorical fiend under a man's skin. At the same time, [[CulturedBadass Kyril]] speaks in a refined speech, is capable of courtesies, has a preference for tea, and is accustomed to [[DueToTheDead burying the dead]] -- "Noble Male" traits being a far cry from the NinetiesAntiHero he is. Over time, the readers and several characters get to see his Noble Male qualities, particularly his [[DirtyBusiness attitude towards violence]], as well as [[AFatherToHisMen his concern for the common folk and his subordinates]]. It turns out that he isn't the [[TheUnfettered ruthless]], [[LackOfEmpathy unfeeling]], and [[AxCrazy bloodthirsty]] figure he appears to be, but these Roguish Male aspects are how he is recognised by most people InUniverse, something Kyril preferred so that [[TerrorHero he could be feared]]. There's also how he [[CelibateHero isn't interested in sex and romance]], yet eventually finds himself [[UnwantedHarem surrounded by suitors]]...
* NominalImportance: [[DownplayedTrope Downplayed]]. Occasionally, the story includes named {{mooks}} or relatively minor characters with no bearing to the plot to be killed off, yet receiving a bit of characterisation beforehand. Two particular examples of how this trope is played with are shown below. Note that both characters are original-exclusive.
** Chapter 10 has Genji the Slicer, an enforcer of the Mundus Crime Family. Receiving little characterisation (former warrior banished for his violent actions against women and children), his purpose in the story is to show how the Good Hunter's conducts his investigation in the WretchedHive of Ansur. And to [[spoiler:show off his tendril-power.]]
** Chapter 11 has Black Dog recruit Anders Bleu. Like many of his peers, he is offed by the Good Hunter (by a backstab-visceral attack no less!) merely four paragraphs after his introduction. Right before his untimely demise, however, his narration characterises him as a HaremSeeker eager to be part of the [[SexSlave Sex]] [[TheEmpire Empire]], so he could take any woman he pleased. His purpose in the story is to be a representative of the many P.O.Vs of typical [[{{Mook}} Black Dog mercs]].

* GuysSmashGirlsShoot: {{Inverted}} to "Guys Shoot, Girls Smash" for Kyril and his band of apprentices. While all five are more than capable of close quarters with their [[MixAndMatchWeapon trick]] [[WeaponOfChoice weapons]], only the male hunters (Kyril, Hugh, Soren) are shown to either use firearms, or have a ranged mode in their trick weapon, like [[BowAndSwordInAccord Simon's Bowblade]] and [[RoyalRapier Reiter]][[{{Handguns}} pallasch]].

** Typically, works that [[DeconstructedCharacterArchetype deconstruct this archetype]] have the character to be SkilledButNaive, which leads them to [[NiceJobBreakingItHero screw]] [[UnwittingPawn up]] due to their immaturity. In contrast, ''The Night Unfurls'' has the kids, Lily included, go through a training regime in the Hunter's Dream for them to be prepared to face the toughest of adversaries. The regime, while intense, is hardly [[TrainingFromHell "hellish"]], meant to strengthen and "git gud", rather than to break and cripple. It also helps that [[spoiler:any wounds would be healed quickly, in addition to how time passes differently as [[DomainHolder Kyril]] wants]], providing an adequate environment for the kids to cease holding back without any risk of severe injury from their continuous sparring, especially with the Good Hunter, who thrashes the four around a lot. The end result? The apprentices come out TalentedButTrained. Combine this with a little bit of [[spoiler:[[EldritchAbomination Kyril's]] AlienBlood]], plus end-game level [[MixAndMatchWeapon trick]] [[WeaponOfChoice weaponry]]? You get an unstoppable BadassCrew of young, mature [[HunterOfMonsters hunters]].

** [[HeroesPreferSwords All five]] [[HunterOfMonsters hunters]] in the story use [[MixAndMatchWeapon trick]] [[WeaponOfChoice weapons]] that either resemble a sword, or have a sword mode, and they can certainly hack through any foe like a knife cutting through butter.

'''Soren''': I'm not, Lily. I'm... freaking nervous. I'm going to see the [[GodEmperess Goddess Incarnate]] herself!

%%* EnglishRose: Evetta is a {{subversion}}. She resembles one due to her appearance having a Victorian motif, but she is not of English breeding.

* FantasyGunControl: As a crossover between two series: ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' and ''Kuroinu'', it is expected that this trope would be applied unevenly. Obviously, guns and trick weapons that shoot bullets are present in the ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' 'verse, and only three characters (all hunters) have these under their possession: Kyril, Hugh, and Soren. Other than that, the ''Kuroinu'' 'verse, assumed to be a standard MedievalEuropeanFantasy, seem to indicate that no original guns and cannons exist in the [[WorldBuilding setting]], provided that they are not from ''VideoGame/BloodBorne''. To elaborate, none of the populace or soldiery is shown using firearms of any kind, and there is no indication as to whether there is any firearm or even gunpowder production in the land.
** Curiously, there is evidence showing that people from Eostia '''actually know''' what a firearm is, which [[ZigZaggingTrope further complicates matters]]. This is best illustrated in the remastered version, where Vera, one of Alicia's subordinates, is able to identify that Kyril has a ''pistol'' holstered at his side, while describing his other firearm[[note]]the Hunter's Blunderbuss[[/note]] as "one much like a ''musket'' save for its ''barrel''", which looks more like a cannon. Vault, in one occasion, internally narrates how Kyril uses his ''firearms'' to take down orc war chiefs in one shot. Both examples indicate that terms related to guns (pistol, musket, barrel, firearms) are NOT a foreign concept -- certain people, if not all, from the ''Kuroinu'' 'verse have some degree of knowledge on the nature of firearms. More importantly, there has never been a single character that have shown to be confused or weirded out when they see someone wielding a gun instead of other "typical" ranged weapons like bows, crossbows, or magic staffs. In fact, one certain character, Klaus (aka Claudia's husband), has shown interest in replicating the mechanism of Kyril's pistol[[note]]it's a very trivial issue, not a major plot point, but still[[/note]]!\\
Thorn seems to be the exception, as seen in Chapter 33 of the original. There, ashigaru[[note]]a kind of infantry[[/note]] are shown wielding arquebus muskets.

* FourStarBadass: [[WorldsStrongestMan The Good]] [[TheHero Hunter]] is a OneManArmy who gets to lead his MenOfSherwood as a result of AsskickingEqualsAuthority, from minor skirmishes to major battles. Despite his [[IntroversionTropes introversion]], he demonstrates a [[HiddenDepths remarkable]] [[AmbiguouslyTrained talent as a military commander]], able to cooperate with the sergeants and the troops to achieve strategic victory.

** One can argue that this is a compulsory trait for any heavy-hitter hunter.
*** Kyril is most certainly this thanks to being a CombatPragmatist. Just because he is a LightningBruiser doesn't mean he goes for [[AttackAttackAttack the aggressive route]] every time. From dismantling traps, selecting at most a group of three to take out, to his occasional usage of Shaman Bone Blades, it is evident that stealth is also one of his strengths.

** As a group, [[OurOrcsAreDifferent orcs can be considered as this]]. They certainly look like [[DumbMuscle dumb brutes]], but some war bands are capable of showing a degree of cunning that can catch a seasoned knight off guard. Best exemplified by their crude traps and sudden ambushes in the first two chapters of the remastered version.

** Olga Discordia is a [[StatuesqueStunner six-foot-tall]] LadyOfBlackMagic with long dark hair, [[AmbiguouslyBrown warm espresso skin]], and [[ImpossibleHourglassFigure a voluptuous body]], covered by a [[OfCorsetsSexy corset]] and [[ThongOfShielding underwear]]. She is also quite [[TheTease flirty]][[note]]this trait is absent in the remastered version[[/note]], and her voice is described as "seductive, [[ContraltoOfDanger ringing with authority]]".
** Chloe, [[TheDragon Olga's servant]], is lean and supple, dressed in a similar fashion to Olga (see above). While she [[AdaptationalModesty wears scaled light armour and leather]] in the remastered version, a Black Dog merc crows "that ass is fine" when [[FanDisservice molesting her]].

** Last but not least, [[TheDreaded Kyril Sutherland]]. [[PlayerCharacter The Good Hunter]]. Chronologically, he manages to ''[[ZigZaggingTrope zig-zag]]'' this trope. At the beginning of it all, he was a son of a poor farmer. The remastered version describes this as "a dirty existence eked out on a potato farm". Then ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' happened, [[spoiler:[[AndThenJohnWasAZombie and then Kyril was]] [[MakesJustAsMuchSenseInContext a squid]]]]. To keep this concise and more understandable, he went to a town named Yharnam in search for a cure for his illness, as an unarmed outsider. It is how he became an EmpoweredBadassNormal HunterOfMonsters, slaying beasts and other hunters by the dozens and hundreds, even to the point of [[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu punching out]] at least three [[EldritchAbomination great ones]]. After that, [[spoiler:he was somehow [[EldritchTransformation transformed]] into a [[EldritchAbomination great one]] himself, but he managed to avert the BlueAndOrangeMorality that comes with his [[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence ascension]]]]. [[spoiler:Taking a [[AFormYouAreComfortableWith human form]]]], he [[WalkingTheEarth wandered around the world]] until his arrival to Eostia, again as a foreign outsider. There, he started out as a regular [[HiredGuns sellsword]], only to kick tons of ass and be [[{{Knighting}} knighted]] as [[BlackKnight Sir Kyril (the Bloody)]]. He even gets [[FieldPromotion promoted]] to Lord Executioner, equivalent to the ruler's left-hand man. The kicker is that the people InUniverse believed that this trope is PlayedStraight for him once (because [[spoiler:Kyril's true nature]] has yet to be common knowledge), but the readers who have played ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' before will [[DramaticIrony understand]] that it actually applies to him ''twice''.

*** In the original version, Kyril is the [[MentorArchetype master]] of his four [[TheApprentice apprentices]], as well as FourStarBadass of his MenOfSherwood. As the former, Kyril is the most [[PragmaticHero practical]] and [[StrongAndSkilled experienced]] of the "[[FiveManBand Five-Hunter Band]]" (levelheaded). As the latter, Kyril inspires loyalty via AsskickingEqualsAuthority and [[TheDreaded dreaded]] reputation (charismatic). The "headstrong" trait is demonstrated in both roles from how he sticks with his subordinates through thick and thin, while understanding when to be flexible (e.g. ordering his men ''not'' to follow him for the sake of averting RedshirtArmy).
*** In the remastered version, Kyril is the de facto leader of his GreatEscape party. Has traits of "charismatic" (due to AsskickingEqualsAuthority) and "levelheaded" (due to him outright saying that his companions are his responsibility).

** If one only takes his ''surface-level'' characterisation into account, then Kyril would be a bona-fide '90s Anti-hero. He's inhumanly [[LightningBruiser strong, fast, and durable]]. He's kind of a [[TheStoic cold fish]] who [[TheQuietOne doesn't talk much]]. He disregards honour, authority, and reputation, doubly so when it comes to [[AssholeVictim people he believes to be scum]]. He shows a brutal countenance, [[{{Gorn}} mangling]] any foe who happens to be on the receiving end of his cleaver, [[DissonantSerenity nary a sound and expression]]. He engages in morally questionable actions, which include a tendency to TakeNoPrisoners, occasional [[JackBauerInterrogationTechnique torture]], and quelling a rebellion by force. Most importantly, he fights against enemies who are worse, like [[AlwaysChaoticEvil Tolkien-esque]] [[OurOrcsAreDifferent orcs]], [[RapeIsASpecialKindOfEvil rapists]], [[SlaveryIsASpecialKindOfEvil slavers]], [[HumanTraffickers dark-elf traffickers]], [[TheMole traitors]] affiliated with said people, and an EvilSorcerer who threatens to bring about an ApocalypseHow while [[PlayingWithSyringes conducting inhumane experiments]] on citizens. Unsurprisingly, the InUniverse common impression of Kyril, or rather, "[[BlackKnight Sir]] [[RedBaron Kyril the Bloody]]", is a [[AxCrazy murderous]], [[BloodKnight bloodthirsty]] killer driven by [[ItsPersonal hat]][[ThePowerOfHate red]]/[[{{Revenge}} vengeance]] of orc-kind, goblin-kind, and the Black Dogs. Some even believe that Kyril is not fully human -- [[HumanoidAbomination a demon wearing a man's skin]]. [[spoiler:The latter point is correct, if one equates "demon" with "[[EldritchAbomination great one]]".]]

** The Good Hunter and his [[TheApprentice first two apprentices]], Sanakan and Hugh, count as this, since he took them in at the beginning of the story. While the Good Hunter has two more added to the band, Sanakan and Hugh are more experienced than the other two, and they are childhood friends that cannot afford to leave one another. Before the Rebel Scum Arc, this trio is primarily responsible for eliminating outside threats.
*** [[TheMcCoy Id]]: Sanakan, the loud and brash apprentice hunter.
*** [[TheSpock Superego]]: Hugh, the mute and smug apprentice hunter.
*** [[TheKirk Ego]]: Kyril, the master of the two apprentices.

* GrievousHarmWithABody: Sometimes used as a tactic, whenever Kyril grabs a {{mook}} with his offhand to throw them into the path of the other {{mooks}}' weapons.

* JustAFleshWound: The closest instance of a major injury that Kyril sustains in the original story is either a punctured lung from a crossbow shot, or a sword wound to an arm and a leg from his duel with Vault. Both of them are received in the Liberation of Ansur Arc. Being a ''VideoGame/BloodBorne'' hunter, it would not be surprising to see him shrug off said injuries without trouble.
* JustOneMan: An all-too common response from anyone who [[UnderestimatingBadassery underestimates]] [[OneManArmy the]] [[LightningBruiser Good]] [[WorldsStrongestMan Hunter]].

* KangarooCourt: {{Defied}} by Kyril, who, anticipating that this trope will happen during a "formal" trial, demands a TrialByCombat in response to the accusations levelled against him (his murder of [[spoiler:Vault]], in addition to possible conspiracy against the crown), in Chapter 12 of the remastered version.

** In the occasion the three people are together side by side, Kyril plays this role as {{mentor}} of [[TheMcCoy Sanakan]] (HotBlooded) and [[TheSpock Hugh]] (TheSpeechless)[[note]]difficulty in emotion expression[[/note]]. He's a {{downplayed}} example though, since he rarely needs to choose between or favour one another.
** Celestine is a [[PlayedStraight straighter]] example. She has to balance the philosophies of [[HonorBeforeReason Claudia]] and [[NoNonsenseNemesis Kyril]] respectively.
** Prim qualifies as this in the remastered version, soothing the choler between the more [[TheMcCoy emotional]] Alicia and the more [[TheSpock distant]] Kyril.

** Mostly {{subverted}} during the assault of the Black Fortress in the remastered version. Emphasis on [[DoubleSubversion "mostly"]]. Kyril sticks to Vault's plan of hitting the southern wall of the fortress. Even him striking directly at the chieftain of the orc encampment in front of him is not regarded as reckless, but rather a [[AttackAttackAttack brutal offensive tactic]] that's CrazyEnoughToWork. The time this gets [[DoubleSubversion double subverted]] is when the enemy forces uses a DefensiveFeintTrap to immolate a portion of the Black Dogs. Kyril's decision is to rush towards the mage responsible while disregarding Vault's command to regroup. Again, this is [[JustifiedTrope justified]] as another AttackAttackAttack tactic that simply works because he's just that [[LightningBruiser good and fast]], not to mention the enemy forces DidntSeeThatComing, thus scrambling to reform the line to no avail.

** Among the FreudianTrio of Sanakan-Hugh-Kyril, [[ScreamingWarrior Sanakan]] is the HotBlooded one out of the three, though she has yet to [[LeeroyJenkins act on impulse]].

** This trope is the reason why Alicia [[DidntThinkThisThrough screws up big time]] in the ''[[StoryArc Feoh/Ur Arc]]'' of the story's original version. To illustrate, she sacrifices the fortress she is supposed to defend in exchange of a number of hostage nuns, which allows the Black Dogs an easy [[AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs win]]. [[StupidSacrifice Yeah]].
** In the remastered version, Alicia has this trope written all over her face when she, her seconds, and Kyril arrive at an orc den. Believing that there are innocents inside the cave, Alicia resolves to rescue them even without Kyril's help. On a humorous note, she is surprised that he nods his head, since she expects that TheSpock next to her would leave the captives to their fates.

* GunsAreWorthless: Remember how in VideoGame/BloodBorne, guns are comparable to peashooters? [[{{Averted}} In this fanfic]], they '''[[OneHitKill hit like a]] [[GoshDangItToHeck friggin]] [[BoomHeadshot truck]]'''. The only downside of these guns is that they have to be reloaded every time a bullet is fired (because they are different from modern ones in RealLife). Since the gun users often fight in close-quarters combat, they have to rely on their melee weapons just as much.

* MentorInSourArmor: Kyril Sutherland may not have [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking the esteem, the snarkiness, and the short height]] of this typical archetype, but he is still [[TheStoic stoic]] and [[BrutalHonesty blunt]] to a fault. It goes without saying that [[DarkAndTroubledPast Yharnam]] has [[ConditionedToAcceptHorror scarred]] [[ShellShockedVeteran him]] a big deal, but he is still a literal KnightInSourArmor. As apprentice hunters, their training is harsh but not to the point of [[TrainingFromHell being worse than hell]], they get complimented if they show progress, and the entire reason why they are training under him is because they wanted to become stronger and improve their lives, which he did gave them the opportunity to do so. As for his badassery, he is ''[[PlayerCharacter the]] [[OneManArmy Good]] [[PrecisionFStrike fucking]] [[LightningBruiser Hunter]]''.\\

* TheFace:
** Lily, while not fulfilling her duties as [[CombatMedic healer]], is the affable presence among the [[FiveManBand five]] [[BadassCrew hunters]]. Especially so when one is a [[TheSpeechless mute]], another is a NervousWreck, and the other two (TheLeader included) are [[BrutalHonesty blunt]] to a fault. If there is anyone who can manage [[TheSocialExpert the social elements]] for TheTeam (e.g. mediating, relaying, etc.), that's Lily.
** This is one of Grace's duties as Kyril's retainer to help gather info and intel, from interacting with the nobility, to attending meetings on Kyril's behalf.

-->''Considering the fact that Grace was possibly the only Dark Elf in Baskerville, those travails would stay with her till the end of her days. Grace walked out, putting a cheery smile on her face. Still, life could be worse. She made people smile, laugh and forget that the world still needed to turn without anyone capable of stopping it.''

-->''Grace sighed as, for a moment, she felt every part of three hundred years catch up to her. No one, not even Annie who was twenty years her senior, would ever know what travails she had seen through in her three hundred years. Grace had come here from the [[GrimUpNorth North]], having [[YouCantGoHomeAgain lost her home]] a hundred years ago when the [[ForeverWar war]] between the Goddess Reborn and the Queen of the Jagged Crown began. She had seen terrible things during that journey, which included the loss of her dearest husband.''

** {{Downplayed}} with Kyril. Yes, he uses a unique {{BFS}} that [[PowerGlows glows]] and shoots [[SwordBeam sword beams]], but it is just [[MultiMeleeMaster one of the many weapons in his arsenal]]. Besides, his [[WeaponOfChoice favoured weapon]] is the [[SerratedBladeOfPain Saw Cleaver]], he typically goes for a SwordAndGun setup, and his four [[TheApprentice apprentices]] in the FiveManBand all [[MasterSwordsman use trick weaponry that resemble a sword]], in spite of Kyril being TheLeader.

** Kyril's most common setup is the [[SerratedBladeOfPain Saw Cleaver]] for close range, and [[LaserBlade the]] [[{{BFS}} Holy]] [[SwordBeam Moonlight]] [[SpellBlade Sword]] for long-ranged crowd control. Other weapons at his disposal include the [[ChainsawGood Whirlgig Saw]], the [[PileBunker Stake Driver]], and the Hunter's Axe.

* HatesSmallTalk: Grace notes that her new employer Sir Kyril hates small talk, parties, or wasteful diffidence that have nothing to do with the current war, which is an accurate observation due to his task-oriented nature. He later gets a bit more comfortable doing small talk with his employer Celestine, something he himself regards as [[CharacterDevelopment "shocking"]].

* HeroesWantRedheads: {{Inverted}} to "the redhead wants the hero". Maia, the redhead, is attracted to TheHero, Kyril Sutherland. Unfortunate for her, he is [[CelibateHero celibate]].

** Kyril's most common setup is the [[SerratedBladeOfPain Saw Cleaver]] for close range, and [[LaserBlade the]] [[{{BFS}} Holy]] [[SwordBeam Moonlight]] [[SpellBlade Sword]] for long-ranged crowd control. Other weapons at his disposal include the [[ChainsawGood Whirlgig Saw]], the [[PileBunker Stake Driver]], and [[AnAxeToGrind the Hunter's Axe]].

** Sanakan and Hugh is an obvious duo. Sanakan is the [[ScreamingWarrior screaming]] powerhouse with the [[DropTheHammer giant hammer]] or {{BFS}}, while Hugh is the graceful fighter with the [[WhipSword whip]]-[[CaneFu cane]], [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]], or the [[BowAndSwordInAccord bow-blade]].

** Kyril lifts up a Black Dog prisoner by the throat during one of his interrogation attempts in Chapter 15. Believing he is getting ahead of himself, he drops the man contemptuously soon afterwards.

** Metal: A subtle one. [[UndyingWarrior Much of Kyril’s life is combat-related]], and per his internal monologue, "every battle a blur of blood, screams, and steel". Both his journey and arsenal revolve around blood, which contains iron. His PocketDimension features a workshop with metallic weapons left and right, a place for enhancing strength and fortifying weaponry. He’s a MultiMeleeMaster and a MultiRangedMaster, akin to the diverse nature of metals. Being TheSpock and TheLeader most of the time, [[ConsummateProfessional Kyril's]] tendency to apply rules, reason, and the greater good to his decisions marks him as a cold, logical, efficient, and progressive figure. Determined, but not outright inflexible.

-->''"Grace sighed as, for a moment, she felt every part of three hundred years catch up to her. No one, not even Annie who was twenty years her senior, would ever know what travails she had seen through in her three hundred years. Grace had come here from the [[GrimUpNorth North]], having [[YouCantGoHomeAgain lost her home]] a hundred years ago when the [[ForeverWar war]] between the Goddess Reborn and the Queen of the Jagged Crown began. She had seen terrible things during that journey, which included the loss of her dearest husband.''

-->''Considering the fact that Grace was possibly the only Dark Elf in Baskerville, those travails would stay with her till the end of her days. Grace walked out, putting a cheery smile on her face. Still, life could be worse. She made people smile, laugh and forget that the world still needed to turn without anyone capable of stopping it."''

* FanServiceWithASmile: Grace Campbell, like many other barmaids who work in [[FantasyTavern stock fantasy bars/inns/taverns]], wears a [[{{Fanservice}} Fanservice-y]] outfit, namely a purple halterneck and a long sarong that [[ShesGotLegs accentuates her fine legs]].

** Water: Kyril is compared to water-related terms, like ocean, waves, and storm. The TerribleTicking Celestine experiences whenever the Hunter is within her proximity is the roaring sound of the ocean, its waves crashing against the shore. Olga can see a storm brewing around the Hunter as she witnesses his TranquilFury. Kyril is an uncannily effective OneManArmy who is entirely capable of killing everyone if he so chooses, akin to the overwhelmingly destructive potential of large bodies of water. The Hunter is characterised as cool, patient, [[TheStoic level-headed]], and full of [[HiddenDepth depth]]. Lastly, [[spoiler:his hidden nature as a [[EldritchAbomination great one]] evokes the unfathomable nature of the EldritchOceanAbyss, for none could comprehend what he is truly capable of.]]

-->''"Anders Bleu was a Black Dog recruit. Hell yeah he was. If he could take any bitch he pleased then there was no other point in life. He wanted to be a part of the Black Dogs' Sex Empire. He wanted to live like a king. He'd show those bitches just what he was made of."''

* GrimUpNorth: The region to the north of Eostia is [[IDontLikeTheSoundOfThatPlace the Badlands]]. Not perpetually freezing like typical examples, but it is still a {{Mordor}} and the place where Olga, the Dark Queen of the Black Fortress, gathers her {{mooks}}, including the native AlwaysChaoticEvil orcs and other fantasy "monsters", to make incursions into the borders of Eostia. Unfortunately, the kingdom cannot retaliate by invading the North due to the harsh conditions there, an excellent natural defence, as well as a bane to any army. It is only due to the advent of [[OneManArmy the Good Hunter]] that Celestine finds an invasion to the Black Fortress a viable option.
** Other named regions in the north, like [[SwampsAreEvil the Dead Marshes]] and Scathlocke, have undesirable climates that threaten the morale of armies, though the latter is less worse than the former. Again, they are only cold during winter.