Killer Concept : The Nianshou
The Nianshou was initially created solely as a concept, to play with the idea of what may hypothetically happen if Behavior attempted to create unique Killers, as well as maps, for their various events. The Nianshou plays on this idea, as a play on the titular monster that is irreversibly intertwined with the Chinese New Year legend.
Given the nature of how Behavior pens its stories, the Nianshou is not a beast from ancient China, but a member of the Red Lanterns group from the late Qing Dynasty, a strategic choice that reveals its effects in her abilities and perks.
Much thought was put into her abilities and perks, hoping to theorycraft a Killer which would improve upon concepts prewithstanding within the game while adding speculative content.
The Nianshou
The Nianshou is a relentless Killer, able to track and punish disrespectful Survivors with her power, Nian's Fury.
Her personal perks, Ten Thousand Years, Hex: Under Heaven, and Scourge Hook: Qigong allow her to slow objectives, strike down unruly survivors, and progressively improve over the course of the trial.
Killer Power : Nian's Fury
You see to it that the barbarians suffer for their insolence, with the fury of an empire.
Press the ability button to swing your fan, entering a quick forwards dash for 2 seconds. During the duration of the dash, you are unable to attack.
Ancestral Shrines
Survivors can attempt to mollify The Nianshou by paying respects at Ancestral Shrines, located around the environment on a 120 second timer.
The timer begins counting down at the start of the Trial.
when a Survivor pays respects at an Ancestral Shrine, they are highlighted with Killer Instinct for its duration, within a radius of 30 meters. After this process if completed, the timer resets.
Paying respects takes 10 seconds.
If Survivors do not pay respects at Ancestral Shrines when the timer runs out, you become Undetectable and can see Survivor Auras within 20 meters, until another survivor has completed the action.
Ten Thousand Years
Ten thousand years of prosperity means a death sentence to all traitors.
While carrying a Survivor, generator repair speeds are slowed by 10/15/20%.
"None shall make it into Beijing." - Jiang Wenjia
Hex: Under Heaven
A Hex ensuring no despicable deed goes unpunished.
Survivors that stun you are Exposed for 20/25/30 seconds.
"It is not simply a duty. It is our pride." - Jiang Wenjia
Scourge Hook: Qigong
You've practiced hard, and you can feel the tides turning. It's time to show the results of your work.
At the start of the trial, 4 random hooks are changed into Scourge Hooks.
The Aura of Scourge Hooks are revealed to you in white.
Whenever hooking a Survivor on a Scourge Hook for the first time, gain 1 token up to a maximum of 4 tokens. The following effects apply for 20/25/30 seconds:
1 Token: 10% less recovery time on successful primary attacks.
2 Tokens: 10% less pallet stun duration and 10% increased vaulting speed.
4 Tokens: 15% faster pickup speed. All bonuses are permanent.
"For too long have you feasted on our flesh and blood. It is time for Nian to feast on yours." - Jiang Wenjia