I heard it was open by my friend [@Ti], so I wanted to try and throw my attempt in. Tell me what you think ^^ [hider=August Larkspur] [center][h1]Gus Larkspur[/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/cTAgSJC.jpg[/img] [hr] [h1]Basic Information[/h1] [hr] [h2]Age:[/h2] 25 [h2]Race:[/h2] Human [h2]Class:[/h2] Arcane Trickster Rogue, Illusion School Wizard [h2]Weapons:[/h2] [b]Dagger Set:[/b] A set of finely crafted daggers is his weapon of choice—compact and easy to conceal. He is rather precise when throwing them. He has names for each dagger: Maura and Marci. [b]Darts:[/b] Gus carries concealed small darts. These can be easily hidden on his person. He carries a variety of darts, one being laced with hallucinogens and another stylized in a way to make as much noise as possible when thrown. [h2]Detailed Appearance:[/h2] Gus Larkspur, at the age of 25, carries an air of mysterious charisma that is accentuated by his roguish and scruffy appearance. His tousled wavy brown hair frame a face marked by the hardships of street life and the mischievous glint in his eyes. His facial hair takes the form of a well-maintained goatee, adding a touch of rugged charm to his features. The goatee seems to mirror the playful curve of his lips when he flashes his trademark mischievous smile. Gus's attire is a testament to his pragmatic approach to life. Clad in a simple, practical outfit befitting a skilled rogue, he wears dark trousers and a comfortable yet durable shirt. The sleeves are often rolled up, revealing the lean muscles acquired through a life of cunning escapades. A distinctive element of Gus's ensemble is a vibrant, bright scarf that he wears with a casual flair. The scarf, a seemingly incongruous burst of colour amidst the shadows. It is, however, not merely an accessory. [h2]Bio History:[/h2] August Larkspur, born into the esteemed Larkspur noble family, displayed an innate magical ability from a young age. The Larkspurs, however, held a deep-seated prejudice against magic users, viewing them as a threat to the family's reputation. As August's abilities manifested, whispers of arcane dealings circulated through the noble circles. Facing public disgrace and fearing the consequences of having a magical heir, the Larkspurs decided to disown Gus. They were to be sent to the gallows, a grim fate for a noble child. Gus learned of the notorious reputation of the gallows and seized an opportunity to escape into the bustling downtown of Volenstul. While navigating the dangerous streets of Volenstul, Gus encountered a charismatic charlatan and illusionist named Marcel Duvall. Marcel, seeing potential in the young noble, took Gus under his wing. There was an unspoken understanding between them—Gus's magical abilities were accepted and even encouraged. Marcel became a mentor, a surrogate family member to Gus, filling the void left by the Larkspurs. Under Marcel's guidance, Gus learned the ways of illusion and trickery, honing their skills as an arcane trickster and a master swindler. The two formed a close bond, and Gus found solace in the camaraderie of the underworld. However, everything changed when Marcel disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The once thriving criminal empire fell into disarray, and Gus, feeling lost without their mentor, sought answers and purpose. In the search for Marcel, Gus joined a gang with aspirations for a big score, hoping to unravel the truth behind Marcel's disappearance and reclaim the stability they had lost. [/center] [h2]Likes:[/h2] [list] [*] [b]Money:[/b] For Gus Larkspur, money is not merely a means to an end; it's a symbol of freedom and control. Growing up as a noble child turned street urchin, Gus learned early on the power that wealth wields. In the shadowy underworld of Volenstul, money is a tool for survival, a currency that opens doors and seals deals. Gus enjoys the thrill of the heist, the satisfaction of counting ill-gotten gains, and the freedom that a well-lined purse provides. [*] [b]Women:[/b] Gus is a charmer, and his fondness for women goes beyond mere attraction. He appreciates the diverse strengths and skills that women bring to the table, whether as allies, rivals, or partners in crime. His interactions are marked by a genuine respect for their abilities and a recognition that everyone has a role to play in the intricate dance of the underworld. Gus's charisma often finds him entangled in complex relationships, but it's the dynamic and unpredictable nature of these connections that he finds intriguing. Women, to Gus, are not just companions but valuable players in the grand game of life [*] [b]Flowers:[/b] Amidst the grit and shadows, Gus finds solace in the delicate beauty of flowers. Perhaps it's a nostalgic connection to a more innocent past or a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Gus has a penchant for acquiring small bouquets, often stolen or acquired through less-than-legal means, to adorn his hideouts. Flowers represent a touch of elegance amidst the chaos—a reminder that even in the darkest corners, there can be moments of unexpected beauty. [*] [b]Clever Wordplay:[/b] A wordsmith in his own right, Gus appreciates the beauty of clever wordplay and witty banter. Whether engaging in verbal sparring with rivals or weaving intricate tales to entertain, his love for language is evident. A sharp tongue can be as effective as a concealed dagger, and Gus takes pride in his ability to navigate the intricate dance of words. [*] [b]Artful Illusions:[/b] Gus has a deep appreciation for the artistry behind magical illusions. Whether it's a subtle sleight of hand or a grand display of arcane trickery, he takes joy in the skilful manipulation of perception. Artful illusions not only serve as tools in his repertoire but also as a source of entertainment and fascination. [/list] [h2]Dislikes:[/h2] [list] [*] [b]Getting swindled:[/b] The irony is not lost on Gus—a master of deception despising being deceived. Having spent years perfecting the art of trickery, Gus has a deep disdain for those who attempt to outwit him. The bitter taste of betrayal is something he actively avoids, and anyone attempting to swindle him is met with a fierce and unforgiving response. [*] [b]High society:[/b] Gus's upbringing in the noble Larkspur family left scars that haven't fully healed. The stifling expectations, the judgmental gazes, and the rigid hierarchy of high society grated on his spirit. The opulence and pretence of the upper echelons of society are a stark contrast to the freedom he found in the streets. The disdain for high society is not just a rejection of his past; it's a rebellion against the very structures that sought to confine him. [*] [b]Disrespect to his name:[/b] Reputation is everything in the underworld, and Gus takes great pride in the name he has carved for himself. Disrespect towards the Larkspur name or any attempts to besmirch his reputation are met with swift and calculated retaliation. Gus may live in the shadows, but his reputation is a valuable asset, and he guards it fiercely against those who would tarnish it. [*] [b]Traditions and Those Who Cling to Them:[/b] The rigid traditions of high society, with their outdated norms and stifling expectations, are a source of resentment for Gus. He despises those who blindly adhere to tradition without questioning or challenging the status quo. The rebels within him reject the notion of being bound by societal norms, and anyone trying to enforce such traditions is met with a rebellious spirit. [*] [b]Incompetence:[/b] Gus has little patience for those who lack skill or competence in their chosen endeavours. Whether it's a fellow thief bungling a heist, a mage failing to execute a spell, or a partner unable to hold their own in a dangerous situation, Gus finds incompetence infuriating. In the dangerous world he navigates, relying on others requires a certain level of trust, and Gus has little tolerance for those who jeopardize the success of their endeavours through sheer incompetence. [/list] [center] [hr] [img][/img] [hr] [h1]Skills and Abilities:[/h1] [h2]Abilities:[/h2][/center] [list] [*] [b]Illusory Mirage:[/b] Gus can weave intricate illusions that deceive the senses of those around him. Whether creating phantom images to distract enemies or crafting illusions to disguise himself and his allies, this ability adds a layer of mystique and misdirection to his repertoire. The illusions can be used strategically in both combat and stealth, allowing Gus to manipulate perception to his advantage. [*] [b]Shadowmeld:[/b] Embracing the shadows, Gus can seamlessly blend into the darkness, becoming nearly invisible to the naked eye. This ability enhances his stealth capabilities, allowing him to move undetected and strike from unexpected angles. Shadowmeld also grants him heightened awareness in low-light environments, making him a master of navigating the shadows with silent grace. [*] [b]Enchanting Persuasion:[/b] Gus possesses an enchanting aura that allows him to magically influence the emotions and decisions of those around him. This mystical persuasion goes beyond mere charm, tapping into the subtle currents of magic to weave a compelling influence. Whether convincing a guard to look the other way, negotiating with potential allies, or sowing discord among enemies, Gus's enchanting influence is a magical touch that adds an ethereal quality to his social manipulation. [/list] What are the drawbacks of those abilities? [list] [*] [b]Magical Strain:[/b] Creating and maintaining complex illusions can be mentally taxing. Extended or intricate use of Illusory Mirage may leave Gus fatigued, affecting his ability to focus on subsequent tasks, both magical and mundane. Additionally, the illusions may not fool creatures with a high resistance to magical deception, making this ability less effective against certain adversaries. [*] [b]Limited Visibility:[/b] While in the shadows, Gus may find it challenging to discern details in the environment, potentially leading to unseen obstacles or unexpected dangers. In brightly lit areas, the effectiveness of Shadowmeld diminishes, making it less reliable in broad daylight. Additionally, prolonged use of this ability may strain his eyes, causing temporary sensitivity to light when he emerges from the shadows. [*] [b]Magic Susceptibility:[/b] The enchanting magic used in this ability is not foolproof. Individuals with a strong resistance to magical influence may be less affected or completely immune to Gus's charms. Additionally, repeated use of Enchanting Influence on the same individual can lead to a diminishing effect, making it less effective over time. The magical nature of this persuasion may also attract the attention of magical beings or entities sensitive to such enchantments. [/list] [center][h2]Skills:[/h2] [/center] [list] [*] [b]Sleight of Hand:[/b] With nimble fingers and a keen eye for detail, Gus is a master of sleight of hand. Whether it's picking pockets, discreetly swapping items, or performing dazzling tricks to distract and confuse, his proficiency in this skill makes him invaluable in situations that require finesse and subtlety. Gus's sleight of hand is not just about theft; it's a versatile tool that can turn the tide in various scenarios, from evading capture to gaining the upper hand in negotiations. [*] [b]Stealth:[/b] Gus moves through the shadows with a silent grace, blending seamlessly into the darkness. His keen awareness of his surroundings and ability to move undetected make him an exceptional stealth operative. Whether infiltrating enemy territory, gathering information unnoticed, or orchestrating surprise attacks, Gus's expertise in stealth ensures that the group can navigate dangerous situations with minimal risk. His agility and awareness of potential threats make him an asset when discretion is paramount. [*] [b]Deception:[/b] A silver-tongued trickster, Gus excels in the art of deception. Whether it's spinning elaborate lies to manipulate others, creating convincing disguises to infiltrate forbidden places, or charming his way out of tight spots, his skill in deception is a valuable asset to the group. Gus's ability to read people and play on their expectations makes him a cunning strategist, able to turn adversaries into unwitting allies or sow confusion among enemies. In a world where information is power, Gus's deceptive prowess provides the group with a strategic advantage. [/list] [center][hr] [img][/img] [hr] [h1]Extra Information:[/h1] He has taken in a stray cat he has called Ayla to remember their encounter under the moon’s light. [b]Theme Song:[/b] [youtube]https://youtu.be/mLRjFWDGs1g?si=pxQjMoaa-JP1b30x[/youtube] [/center] [/hider]