Editing Cain's Ouroboros (section)

==== The Envenomed ====
The collective term given to those who have been injected with the Venom of Ouroboros, the World Spirit of Mars.

The method of injection can vary, as can its exact effects, but the shared aspect is clear. The recipient becomes a being of physical exceptionalism, often growing in height and gaining several physiological advantages.

In both sexes, there's the development of exceptionally dense musculature, primarily pink muscle, and a redistribution of fat deposit prioritization to a more optimal form. Sensory organs and nerves also undergo changes, growing more capable in general. Further, there's a noted increase in lifespan. A healthy Envenomed might well reach three hundred years of age, though this is rare. There are also stories of Envenomed who have endured since the time of Cain, though this remains hearsay and rumor at best.

In men, there is often the development of broader shoulders and more pronounced musculature, as the limitation for density is reached even with mystical aspects, requiring expansion. There are negative traits, however, as there is a noted issue with men developing issues with aggressive urges and empathic problems present in around 20% of the Envenomed. Controllable, particularly through controlled outlets and counseling, such as employed by Sigma Nu Eta Kappa's various branches, but it can cause problems for the newly Envenomed. Further, the increase in musclemass can occasionally cause issues with balance and overall mobility, certain arm motions can become mildly complicated, and while likely more limber than before, the flexibility is not as high as it could be. Ouroboros's gift may be mystical in part, but even it cannot completely break physiology.

For women, there's a noted increase in reaction times, exceed that of the men, as their musculature generally stays more compact. There is also generally less of a height increase, though cognitive function also notably increases more consistently across the board. As a smaller side effect, there is an increase hip width, as well as the growth of the mammary glands, producing a more stable gait, as well as moving fat deposits to a less intrusive area in order to maintain flexibility and the higher degree of "fast twitch" muscles overall efficiency. This isn't to say they are devoid of physical strength, as any Envenomed can bend steel or crush stone, but rather that they are more focused towards the rapid and efficient use of that strength. If anything, the female of the species is in this regard more dangerous than the male. Negative side effects, however, aside from the occasional presence of similar effects seen in male Envenomed, is an *over* stimulation of the emotional response and empathy. This is not to say that they become emotionally erratic, but rather prone to high degrees of sympathy and empathy whether they want to or not. Which often clashes rather unfortunately with the aggressive urges they now exhibit. That said, female Envenomed generally have an easier time getting their side effects under control, though newly envenomed have a marked habit of "freezing" from time to time due to emotional and sensory overload.

However beyond this, there are the various "Subtypes" of Envenomed. The Envenoming can induce unexpected changes, the addition of odd, often reptilian traits, ranging from "unnatural" senses, venomglands, scales, or similar effects. Thankfully, this is often accompanied by a limited degree of shapeshifting.

The reason for this is unclear. Some have suggested it's due to impurities in the venom, which is manufactured often in vary different conditions with different tools. Others argue the factor is mystical rather than chemical. While others still believe it to be the venom working exactly as intended. 

These features tend to manifest a few days to weeks, rarely more than two months, after the initial envenoming, in a process known as "Passing through Orochi's Gate." referring to the eight headed serpent of Japanese lore. It's a reminder to the Envenomed. They may have many different faces, and come from many different walks of life, but they're all ultimately the same snake inside.

===== The Eight Gates =====
The Eight Gates are as follows

Python, The Keenest of Eye

Ranged combat splat. Probably extrasensory shit.

Boa, The Strongest of Grip

Strength focused Splat, burly, but lazy. Can't take/have poison/venom based powers?

Viper, The Fastest to Bite

Intuitive mechanics, vehicle users. Fastest splat.

Cobra, The Smoothest of Tongue

Asp, The Gentlest of Poisons

Healer/medic splat. Sedative venom?

Mamba, The Strangest of Minds

Obligatory magic-y splat/Fishmalk. psychedelic venom, mindfuckery. Apparently try to codify soft sciences to make them hard one day.

Adder, The Darkest of Thought

Obvious edgy splat. Bonus points if they can shed their skin and crawl in it.

Copperhead, The Hardest of Head

Tough/tank splat. Stubborn and prone to smashing their heads against a wall until it breaks. "Brute force calculations as science". Apparently can bounce spells?