[hider=Elia Louisa Reinhardt] [centre][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/67/ef/a6/67efa6b5e724ca74383c31bc98eac277.jpg[/img]

[h2]Elia Louisa Reinhardt[/h2]

[color=wheat]"You will find, my girl, that the greatest minds are oftentimes the most fragile. Such a shame it is that knowledge is the most destructive force in the world."[/color]

[hider=Shadow Person] 
[img]http://img06.deviantart.net/57b0/i/2012/024/2/a/shadow_demon_by_skaramanger-d4nioz6.jpg[/img]

Note that her appearance does not actually change when she changes forms except for her eyes turning to a blood red. After this, her form can dissolve down into shadows at will and her physical state can be altered in shadow-form (I.e. the above picture is just an example appearance).
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[h3]Generic Information[/h3]

[b]Name:[/b] Elia Louisa Reinhardt
[b]Gender:[/b] Female
[b]Age:[/b] 20
[b]Height:[/b] 5'3
[b]Sexuality:[/b] Elia is about as sexually adept as a nun so even she doesn't know which way she swings.

[Color=wheat][h3]Psych Profile[/h3][/color]

[b]Traits[/b]

[list] 
 [*] [u]Incredibly Intelligent[/u] - Elia was not raised amongst a fluttering bunch of ladies-in-waiting nor was she raised on the streets. She was raised in a workshop of an inventor who was deemed mad by some and genius by others. She was his blood and growing up in such an environment made her into one of the greatest minds in the country.
 [*] [u]Industrious[/u] - When she started, she had naught but her mind, a dilapidated workshop and the wisdom left behind by her father. From this, she forged an empire of machinery and a name for herself. Although she's quite rich, she never forgot where she came from and can make stunning creations from just a few simple parts.
 [*] [u]Kind-Hearted[/u] - Elia can sometimes be a tad cynical or a little disapproving of someone's intelligence but behind all that coldness is a warm heart that simply wants to better the world she inhabits. Not once has she made a weapon using her intelligence nor does she ever plan to - a move which caused tension with one particular noble family.
 [*] [u]Strong-Willed[/u] - It takes a lot of guts to ignore the status quo and follow your own path. By all regards she should have been wedded and bedded by this point but she seems happy creating her empire rather than creating little... things.
[/list]

[b]Monster Traits[/b]

[list]
 [*] [u]Shadow Form[/u] - When Elia is in shadow form, she is capable of dissolving into a being made purely from darkness. Being something made out of a lack of light, it is almost impossible to see her if she sticks to the shadows. Her form can be manipulated easily so she can look like a beast of a man or a well-curved woman. 
 [*] [u]Endless Torment[/u] - She can't physically interact with someone when in shadow form but in a world that doesn't believe in the old magic, the sheer sight of a figure made purely from shadows is enough to terrify anyone. If she really wanted to, she could paralyse them with fear or even kill them.
 [*] [u]Sleepless Whispers[/u] - This is Elia's primary use: intelligence gathering. The myths of shadow people originated from those who woke to find themselves paralyzed with a being made of darkness straddling them. Once Elia does this, her target becomes very willing to give over [i]any[/i] information she asks for.
[/list]

[b]Flaws[/b]

[list]
 [*] [u]Stubborn[/u] - Despite her intelligence, Elia is as stubborn as a mule. Once she sets her mind to something, she will follow through with it even if it leaves her completely drained or wishing she hadn't listened to herself. She would have got far with her father's teachings and her own intelligence but not far enough. The only reason she's as successful as she is now is due to those who doubted her or dismissed her.
 [*] [u]Socially Inept[/u] - She's spent her life surrounded by clockwork mechanisms and steam machines so naturally, when it comes to things that actually have a pulse, she doesn't do awfully well. The core problem is that Elia would rather be back in her workshop instead of socialising and thus, she has gotten into a lull of not needing human contact.
 [*] [u]Know-It-All[/u] - Unfortunately for Elia, she has to spend a lot of her time around rich nobles to attract business. The unfortunate thing about this is that most nobles are self-righteous idiots who think they're very well versed when it comes to knowledge. When she proves that they indeed know very little, it does not make her many friends.
 [*] [u]Self-Hatred[/u] - It is a painful existence to know that you can change so much in the world but you can never change what it is that hurts you the most. If she could, she would go back in time and change so much but the fact is, she [i]cannot[/i] and that mere fact is what she hates most about herself. Sometimes she even thinks that she would prefer to be stupid and not have to research these things that hurt her only to discover that they're way above her.
[/list]

[b]Monster Flaws[/b]

[list]
 [*] [u]Volatility to Light[/u] - Since she has been changed, it is nearly impossible for her to step outside during the middle of the day. She's capable of standing in the light of the dawn and dusk but midday would burn her very skin and more than likely leave her blind. She much prefers the darkness so recently, she has adapted an unhealthy paleness to her complexion.
 [*] [u]Lack of Interaction[/u] - Elia is physically incapable of interacting with the world in her shadow form meaning that she is almost completely useless during a battle.
 [*] [u]Religious Objects[/u] - Objects that have a religious connotation to them usually prove to be particularly dangerous to Elia. Them objects alone are the only things capable of interacting with her during her shadow form and thus, they can prove to be extremely painful and bring on a sensation of burning.
[/list]

[b]Backstory:[/b]
Elia Louisa Reinhardt was born on a cold December morning to two parents who were considered the greatest minds of their time. Her birth seemed too much for her mother who later died due to loss of blood. Her first victim and she had barely even opened her eyes for the first time.

Her early life was eventful, at best. The lack of a solid mother figure and a father who understood machines better than he understood little girls led to her regularly ditching lessons in school to instead run amuck (or more regularly, go to her father's workshop). The mere fact that she learned more by herself and in the workshop didn't say a lot for the public schooling system but once her father realised that, he consented to having her leave school if she learned under him.

From a very young age it was painfully obvious that Elia was not going to be a little lady or a lady of any sorts for that matter. More times than most, any dresses she was forced into were abandoned for shorts and trousers. When her father queried her on it, she answered that she was never going to be able to work in a dress so she was never going to need a dress. Her father couldn't find a flaw in her argument and fearing she would rebel anyways if he enforced it, he allowed her to abandon her finery. Being a naturally curious little thing, she spent more time in her father's workshop than he did and eventually, the knack of inventing was simply instilled within her.

Her early teenage years were enjoyable ones. Although her father was aging and regularly falling into poor health, she was a sprightly young thing that did the work for him and ultimately learned under his careful eye. If it wasn't already obvious that she was following in his footsteps, it became painfully so when she became a major designer on the royal airship he was commissioned to make. Her designs brought a new inspiration to the entire process which made her father a decent name for himself.

As she grew into a young woman and attracted the attention of suitors (which she fervently declined), her father's health worsened. Eventually, a few days after her seventeenth birthday, he passed away in his sleep. It was a painless death but Elia was left distraught. He was the only solid figure in her life and he was ripped away from her. She had no one but machines after that and it was the machines that she turned to. She fell away from society so much so that many suspected her to be dead. More times than enough, she went without sleep in her research. The subject of her research? Time. If time could be reversed, things could change. The world could change. She could break the curse of death. She just needed [i]more[/i] time.

She never found her time and eventually, she gave up on her quest, which was quickly destroying her. Instead, she turned her genius to the world of machinery and science. Within a year, she fashioned a business out of her inventions. Within two, she became one of the richest females in the country as other countries invested in her transportation devices.

It came as no surprise that she was invited to the Lord Nixus' Masquerade - she had been invited most social events recently. Unlike the most of them which she turned down, Elia decided that this party could only help her work so she elected to attend it. Although she had no intention to meet Lord Nixon himself, it wasn't surprising that she caught his eye considering she was the only female in the room not wearing a dress. It was curiosity that drove her to follow the maid and despite the disturbing pictures along the way, she very willingly stepped into Lord Nixus' private quarters. After that? Well, we all know what curiosity does to cats.

[b]Character Motivation:[/b]
Elia hates what Nixus has done to her and she hates her shadow form but more often than not, she has found herself willingly slipping into the form. It allows her to see so much more than she can normally and more importantly, it allows her to acquire knowledge. Knowledge is all she ever wants.

[Hider=Warning, this is really fucking long]
[b]Opinion Of Others:[/b]
[I][color=wheat]Excerpts from the Diaries of Elia Louisa Reinhardt[/color][/i]

[b]Mariah Amor:[/b]
[indent]"I will say it now so that these words of mine are not repeated en masse. There's nothing more destructive to the reputation of women as a whole than people like Mariah Amor. I do not deem myself to be the greatest judge of characters but from the few times I have met this lady, it has become painfully obvious that she covers her intelligence with a thick layer of stupidity. The most sickening aspect of this? It works. She has men following her around like little lost puppies that someone should have really drowned in a river at birth. Such a pity, it is, that behaviour like that displayed by Miss Amor will be noted and unduly repeated by the younger generations. I do hope, for the sake of our species, that the fruit of her womb are imbued with a little more sense knocked into their skulls.

Oh and did I mention she was a brat?"
[/indent]

[b]Gwendolyn Argall:[/b]
[indent]"Another dinner party. These events have been increasing in number ever since I released my designs on the new airborne gondola. It seems that these blubbering fools expect some sort of discount if they harass me with gentle smiles for a night almost like I'm a child chasing a fanciful dream. If they could see half the thoughts in my head, they would count themselves enlightened for a lifetime.

One must mention, however, that the reception I received at the Argall manor house was a breath of fresh air. Instead of pompous nobles, I was surrounded by those who were well-read; poets and the like. Much could be said of the host, a Miss Gwendolyn Argall, who entertained an entire crowd (myself included) with lacklustre tales of the old kingdoms and fallen empires. However, most notably, she seemed almost entranced to listen to the others and their fine stories. A woman of knowledge. If only there were more."
[/indent]

[b]Edwyn Carlisle:[/b]
[indent]"How do they do it on a daily basis? A dear friend of mine, a one Mr Hubris, was invited to a dinner party of late and, lacking a partner to accompany him, he did extend the invitation to myself. I feared wounding his pride so I hesitantly accepted. Hindsight is a cruel jape, it would seem. Dear Mr Hubris became burdened with the destroyer of good men; alcohol, and was forced to retire much earlier than expected. I was engaged in conversation already so in his good nature, he left me undisturbed.

It would seem that the young patron of House Carlisle shared his friendship with the better-looking majority of young noblemen because, due to my outwardly abnormal look, I instantly became the centre of their humorous attentions. One would have preferred to remain very far from the centre. Needless to say, young Carlisle himself tried his hand at taming me with his soft words and that smug smile. I could have broke him in two. [s]and put him back together just so that fine Godsend could ravage me.[/s] I quickly departed the manor and I've gained the understanding that these sort of events are just not for me. No, I am quite safe buried deep amongst machinery but God is it difficult to ignore the fire rumbling in my belly. This is why I despise biology."
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[b]Lizbeth Dveaux:[/b] [I]This source, although not mentioning her name, is believed to contain a reference to Lizbeth Dveaux[/i]
[indent]"It was upon this cold, January evening that I've had a brush with the darker side of our world. It is commonly known that the underworld of the major cities is awash with brothels and prostitutes selling their... wares on the corner of streets but in my childlike innocence, I did not expect to find one upon the arm of some loud, plump nobleman at an unveiling of my latest designs. I was furious, to say the least; not because he dared to take her into an event of my organising but that he seemed to believe that she was his property for the evening and thus proceeded to show her off like a well-crafted portrait.

Gods be praised, it took everything inside of me not to find some way to bash his sorry skull in - the poor thing, prettier than most other girls I've seen, looked like she had resigned herself to deep self-loathing. If only I could share my dreams with those who are stuck at the bottom of the barrel. If only I could ignite hope back into their hearts. Rebellion is on their lips, I can see it, but I must refuse to act. I question my intentions everyday."
[/indent]

[b]Linta Hohyener:[/b]
[indent]"I have made many friends thus far but it's becoming painfully clear to me that for every friend I make and every ally that binds their aid to my cause, there are those who stare on with dark intents. Those who curse my name and believe that I do not belong at the level I have rose to. I imagine if I was a male, these self-righteous bastards would be content but nevertheless, they have made me their enemy and some are beginning to outwardly expose this.

The most noteworthy of these enemies would have to be Lord Hohyener, the High General of our nation's military. He is one of the few bloodthirsty individuals who believe that the machines of war must closely mirror every leap of progress. It began as fine praise from him for my work for the Royal Family. This was followed by gentle hints and promises of funding if I was to focus my intelligence on military technology. That alone offended me - did he dare think that my good father raised me to power the gears of war!? I forgave his insolence that once and politely declined his offer. He's a powerful man and it would be foolish of me to publicly declare my opposition to him.

My thoughts on the matter did not halt him and much like a dog baying for blood, he continued on with his unholy crusade of attempting to enlist me into the ranks of brilliant minds that had already betrayed progress. When I refused again, his persuasions turned violent and I understand that he commanded his daughter to beg the king to have me arrested.

The bitch apparently made a good case of it and if it were not for my friends close to the Royal Family, I imagine I would be rotting in prison by now. I would prefer to rot than to have my genius used so as he may further his war-effort.

Nevertheless, the first question that crossed my mind was who in God's name allowed that bastard Hohyener to breed? The next that crossed my mind was which sane-minded woman with any self-integrity allowed that dog anywhere near her nether regions. I imagine he'll send men after me but I pay no heed to such shallow threats. Science has succeeded today."
[/indent]

[b]Kipling Baye:[/b]
[indent]"Was it foolish of me to expect much of the world when I started this blooming business of mine? Back then, sheer determination clouded by thoughts and in my innocence, I believed that the world was somewhat ready to accept the fruits of my mind. I am beginning to question those thoughts, however.

Unfortunately, being the head of mine own industry, I'm responsible for almost all of the sourcing of parts. It was, in this particular venture, that I did butt heads with the Baye family business. I was under the impression that my business would ignite great potential in their enterprise and that they would respect this fact but I was painfully proved wrong. Kipling Baye himself is a vicious man with very little care of his workers. Granted, I am not known for my social expertise but I at least  keep company with decent standards. This would have just been a simple irk in our relationship would it not have been for the fact that Kipling was a bastard who thought little of me. I urged my pride to stay at bay but it kindly refused which resulted in our business dealings falling apart. 

After that? Threats. A lot of threats and even some action but I refused to let him hold sway over my dealings. I imagine our next meeting will be sour. I have every intention to let the cunt know his place."
[/indent]

[b]Goram Dorr:[/b]
[indent]"I have decided that today is a fine day, or it appears to be so. Father seems elated and I cannot help but mirror his feelings of happiness. What is he happy over? If I knew it would already be upon this paper but alas, I've been left in the dark by his excitement."

"My day has indeed proven to be eventful and father has somehow stayed excited throughout most of the entire process. 'Always reflect on what you have learned that day, Elia, and be thankful for it' he told me so I thought it best to mark my train of thought here. What I do know is that father and an old friend of his have secured a partnership in their business. We paid a visit to the man (whom father spoke very highly of) and I was left to inspect his tidings. Unsurprisingly, he was a productive man, or a blacksmith to sum it up. His smithy was expansive and even I was impressed - if it made father happy than I was also consequently happy. I found a giant there, hulking over the forge. He must have been five years my senior but he gifted me a gentle smile before returning to his work. That smile stayed with me as I left and although I am hesitant to admit such a thing, the pure strength exposed by him stirred darker thoughts."

"It does seem that father's business deal has gone through accordingly but something has seemed to trouble him today. I was working on the airship with him and he backed away from the project almost within the first hour - his mind was clearly elsewhere. As we later ate, he did what I was patiently waiting for and told me what was burdening him. 'My friend wishes to seal our business dealings with a marriage.' He told me, leaving me more than confused. Almost a minute later, he elaborated, 'He extended his desires to have his only son wedded to you.' I was shocked, to say the least, as this was the first time father spoke of such things. Nevertheless, images of the young blacksmith did leave me a tad confused of my feelings on the matter. Father didn't ask what I wanted though, he knew - he never mentioned it again."
[/indent]

[b]Telion Velkfur[/b]
[indent]"Rumours have spread to me about a book-burning that occurred in a few towns over. Naturally, such tales angered me - how dare the insolent fools burn such great bastions of knowledge!? Such ancient books were prized by all those who even mildly held themselves as intelligent. I dug a little deeper into the stories to discover some of the past behind it and what drove such a notable family into such a heinous crime against humanity.

The story only proved to annoy me further but it left me lusting to learn further upon the young man who was the victim of this mindless slaughter of knowledge. Yet, whispers were also voiced of his defiance and how he had secretly hidden away several ancient tomes so that he could learn more, even if knowledge was outlawed. I've found small hope in his tale but it is a want of mine to discover more about the young Velkfur patron - he who prizes knowledge to such a degree is well-worth knowing, after all. Perhaps I can arrange a meeting with a shallow offer of marriage?"
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[b]Other:[/b] [/hider]