M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: 15th August, 1782 Country of Origin: Austria Empire Languages Spoken: German, Latin, English, French Affiliation: Independent / His Majesty's Army (Quartermaster Corps) Motivation: To watch the end of the Napoleonic Wars and live in luxury. Habits: ∙ Whenever he holds a quill, he will lick the tip of it. ∙ While idly standing, he will cross his feet over each other. Hobbies: ∙ Drinking ∙ Fencing ∙ Night walks
►Fears ∙ Returning home ∙ His true identity being exposed ∙ Working until his death
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumours No-one in his corps, besides the General, is aware of Leonard's Enlightenment. They joke that God is crying whenever he steps out - some have suspicions as deep as their harbouring discontentment for him, but no proof has been found. However, it's not as scandalous as the rumour that Leonard is actually a cross-dresser that fled his home for fear of persecution.
Soldiers have gone as far as to say he went undercover as a female during a diplomatic mission. The truth of that lies within the Quartermaster Corps, none of which are willing to open their mouth as it's both classified and a matter of dignity.
►Secrets Leonard, despite his line of bad habits, hails from a great and highly respected noble family in Austria. He is the youngest of three sons, and ended up running away to avoid responsibility to marriage and being tied to the title. Leonard believes it is a suffocating life and has immensely enjoyed his years in the army surrounded by fools, the open sky and all the drinks in the world. -
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
By a parting of his lips, Leonard exhales forth a thin veil of mist and fog around him that builds up to his desire. The range is unlimited, but it leaves him fairly parched and must consume liquids (alcohol, water or otherwise) to replenish it. It works the exact way as a fog does, however, Leonard cannot be tracked with a homing or tracking ability. Leonard is also unable to see clearly in the fog. The duration is dependent on the size, with small areas vanishing in minutes, whereas larger fields may stay for hours.
SILVER PURSUIT SILVER PURSUIT
While unable to see in the fog, Leonard is able to feel the physical builds of people in fogs - whether made by himself, others, or naturally. This gives him the ability to sense the direction of where people are. Problem lies in people with similar builds, which Leonard will have to use guesswork for his purposes.
Leonard Mayer presents himself as a minor Silesian noble who left Austria in search of purpose beyond the rigid confines of court life. Educated, well-mannered, and fluently multilingual, he secured a commission as a lieutenant in the British Army’s Quartermaster Corps, where his sharp wit, effortless charm, and keen logistical sense earned him quiet respect.
A man of cultured vices, Leonard is known for his late-night walks, a taste for good drink, and flirtations with anything in a petticoat. Though more often found with a quill than a pistol, he fences regularly and holds his own in a duel of words or steel. Behind the smoke and smiles, there is a deeper loyalty. Not to Britain per se, but to the ideals of honour, service, and freedom from the suffocating expectations of nobility. Most assume he is simply a wayward younger son enjoying an extended foreign commission.
None know, save himself, the truth behind his lineage and why he kept his purse close-fisted. A man seeking luxury, yet knows honour deep in his blood. He sometimes gazes distantly to the horizon, wishing his family well.
∙ Theme: The Ballad of Mona Lisa - Panic! At The Disco ∙ If you visit my CS collection, you'll find a planning space for plots under the characters. Maybe. Still in progress ∙ Uh, Shadowhunters (the book series, not the TV show or movies. Burn them all)
The only thing I may like is adding more likes and dislikes (this is flavor, sure, but it does open up some things potentially). With him being independent, I will have opportunities for him but I also welcome your insight and feedback.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: October 5th, 1786 Country of Origin: Ottoman Empire Languages Spoken: Turkish, English, French and Arabic Affiliation: St. Eustice's School Motivation: Eldemir simply wishes to feel accepted and find a place where he truly belongs. Habits: Flipping coins when idle and humming his favorite song to himself Hobbies: Wood carving, drawing, playing cards, and reading
►Fears Being isolated from everyone he knows and loves Never finding his place in the world Losing what little family has left
There are rumors that due to Eldemir being born to a long-time Ottoman ambassador, and being seen as a foreigner despite being born in England. That Eldemir is a spy for the Ottoman Empire like his father. Since why else is his family still in London after twenty-five years, and his father has a rather large salary given to them by the Ottomans, than what ambassadors normally get. Making some believe there is a reason for this, and that it is for covert actions.
►Secrets Eldemir, when he was younger, had a lover in secret. A Welsh woman named Braith Hewitt and the two were madly in love. But one night as they were relaxing after a nightly affair. The pair was attacked by an unknown Enlightened, and a fight ensured. They won, but Eldemir was badly wounded, and the next thing he knew, he was in a hospital with a note from Braith about that they would meet again but after she dealt with personal matters. It was only after the fact that Eldemir realized that the attackers were Dark Embers, and when he visited where they had attacked. No bodies, no blood, it looked like nothing had happened there. Ever since Eldemir had kept this a secret, and wondered what caused the Dark Embers to attack them and what Braith was involved with. -
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
Eldemir's Enlightened ability is that he can turn his skin into solid diamond. Which takes on the properties of diamonds and he can take more of a beating, and his physical attacks hurt more to normal flesh as a result. But, he can only be in this form for a limited time, as he cannot sustain his diamond form forever. So he only uses it when needed, and while his diamond form is tough, Eldemir's diamond form is not bullet proof and he can feel pain while in this form.
His secondary power is that Eldemir can generate diamonds and turn them into whatever form he desires, or just launch them at targets as projectiles. He can form diamonds as a sword or shield, or anything else. But they are only as strong as normal diamonds and can only be used while he is in diamond form.
Eldemir is the only child of his father, an Enlightened Ottoman diplomat and ambassador to the United Kingdom, and his mother, a Turkish noblewoman. Eldemir never set foot in the Ottoman Empire and was raised in London. Where he was treated as a foreigner by most of the people he met, and had a hard time making friends. Despite his social status and the education that his parents could afford. But his parents would encourage and make sure that he would not fall into despair. So Eldemir would grow close to his parents, and they were a happy family despite some bumps.
Which the biggest bump was why Eldemir's father became the Ottomans' ambassador to the United Kingdom in the first place. A question that Eldemir only learned the truth about once he was old enough. The reason is that Eldemir's father had been tricked and ended up taking the blame for a crime he was unknowingly apart of. While he was not put into jail for this, he was essentially exiled from the Ottoman Empire, and his position as the Ottoman ambassador was permanent.
While Eldemir was outraged at this news, and wished to avenge his father. Eldemir's father convinced him not to act on this and to just remember not to end up like him. During this outburst, Eldemir's power activated, and his father at first tried to help him learn his power. He was sent to St. Eustace's School for the Enlightened, and he would master his power there. In which Eldemir, after graduating from the school about two months ago, would seek employment there and would get a job among the faculty there.
Which Eldemir, seeing how he felt more at home with his fellow Enlightened than in London. He is still seeking to find his place in the world. Since he is a stranger to both his homeland and his other homeland. Whether or not that place is at St. Eustace remains to be seen.
C H A R A C T E R I N F O C H A R A C T E R I N F O
_________________________________________________________ | Edward Faust Blackmore | Age 19 | _________________________________________________________ | Cis male (He/Him) | 5'10"/156lbs | _________________________________________________________ | Sexuality: Bisexual | Social Class: Nobility (Earl of Haydon with father being Marquess of Norwich) |
C H A R A C T E R N O T E S C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: 21 December 1792 Country of Origin: England. Languages Spoken: English, French, Latin, German (poor) Affiliation: St. Eustache school(New Arrival) Motivation: The seeking of purpose, to find his place in the cosmos. Otherwise to find companionship and achieve higher status in life. Habits: Always wears thick gloves of white silk embroidered various blue motifs. Even sleeps with them on. He has an obsession towards cleanliness, always ensuring everything is spotless from his clothing to living environment. Hobbies: Hunting, Reading, sculpting (primary with ice), Fencing (especially the rapier and smallsword)
►Fears In order: To lose his titles and be disgraced, Losing his powers, being abandoned, betrayal, Pure Iron, To lose control.
►Likes -Winter, hunting, Collecting trinkets and antiques favoring the classical era, Skating, Fencing, Philosophy, Mysticism, Literature, being right, nobility.
►Dislikes -Summer, Heat, Prostitutes, Gambling, The poor and lower classes, getting mocked, Filth, Blood, sweat, Pork (of which he will refuse to eat even a single bite and will become indignant if tricked into doing so.) -
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumors Some claim the original Edward has long died, That the current one was no child of man but rather the product of a demonic ritual wearing his skin. A spirit called fourth from beyond by the Marquess of Norwich which saw the disappearance of 3 children in the village near the Blackmore Estate. While official narrative claimed they have drowned when playing in the nearby creek, the proponents of this claim to have seen unnatural wounds upon the bodies resembling those afflicted by a ritual blade. Additionally, they say the Earl of Haydon had black hair and a prominent birthmark upon his forehead as a child, a far remote from this fair-skinned sorcerer. The latter's aversion towards iron and loneliness does noting to dispel these rumors. His habit of wearing gloves lead proponents of this theory to claim he hides the marks of devilish possession beneath them.
►Secrets He killed 3 of his friends as a child and his parents had to cover it up with an accident. The 3 had snuck away playing in a field near the Blackmore estate when they where beset by a wild boar, the intense fear caused Edward to awaken and instantly lose control. The Marquess's men would find him at dusk alone in a field of bloodied snow, the corpses of men and beast lying nearby thousand-pierced by ice shards. The incident would hereby be known as Rochester creek drownings, the official narratives proclaiming the children having lost their lives by falling into the creek.
Edwards takes frequent hunting trips not because of noble honor or some superficial thrill in the face of controlled danger but simply because he enjoys the act of taking life, To feel the warm fade to coldness, perhaps a distortion born of his awakening but he knows the answer not. -
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
Heart of Eternal Winter Edward has power over ice and snow, capable of generating and controlling it to a great extent, making objects, structures or even living constructs such as an ice carriage drawn by crystalline horses. Other uses include generating then projecting razor sharp ice shards, immobilizing objects by encasing them in a block of ice, raising a snowstorm over an area, fortifying himself with an ice shell so on. The ice he generate can vary in durability such as the brittle ordinary clear ice, rock hard blue ice or even the "true" diamond hard crystalline dark ice. Downside The more he uses his power, the deeper the frost seeps into his body. Starting at the fingertips and removing senses and its travels towards his heart. Should it be consumed by the frost Blackmore would transform into an ice statue and die. Cold energy constantly seeps fourth from his being, freezing the surrounding environment. Requiring constant control on Edward's part to prevent it. Pure iron burns him like coal to a normal man and acts as an effective damper to his powers, if ingested it produces a vile sickness.
Northern Dark Ice Physique Constant exposure to the frost energy which permeates his body has hardened his muscles and bones far beyond the norm for mortal men. Deep cuts are reduced to shallow ones and shallow cuts mere nicks on snow white skin. His blood, thick as molasses flows slower and coagulates faster. Downside An ever present pallid complexion and a body devoid of warmth, feeling closer to a corpse than a living being. In addition without using his powers Edward has rather poor endurance.
Edward was firstborn son of Marquess Alexander of Norwich and thus was prepared for his role as future heir since birth, receiving a top tier education by a myriad of tutors to ensure he would be ready to enter the cutthroat world of the aristocracy. There he performed admirably being noted as a bright and sociable child with a boundless curiosity, a few wild cats around the house disappeared but no one paid it any mind. Taking from his father, Edward was an unruly child, frequently escaping his guardians to play in the field with lower class children from the nearby village. A transgression Honorable Alexander tacitly approved but sent men to monitor him from afar.
All would change one fateful winter day when Edward was only 11. Following the incident and ensuing disaster, his mother, Lady Blackmore wanted to send his son to St-Eustache school for the Enlightened so he may control is powers but his father refused. Arguing that he was too young and undesiring to risk the family's future by letting him mingle further with "low class rabble" and worse. The pair sparred back and fourth neither letting go until Lord Alexander bellowed that he would not send his only son into a lair of "Freaks and Monsters." Rather they would raise him at home at best they could.
Thus the young man was confined to the vast estate grounds and forbidden contact with the rest of the world. He was given a pair of gloves to put on in order to suppress his nascent abilities. Yet Edward was uncowed, for he had little memory of the event thus thought committed no sin, thus why should he be punished? He choose to practice in secret, going on long walks alone in the woods behind the estate. Erecting statues of snow or slicing down the various trees and grass with razor sharp ice blades. He would take up hunting as an excuse to venture deeper into the woods with only a few close personal servants, occasionally bringing home game meats.
Over time his powers grew, remolding his body, altering his hair, skin, muscle and even biology. His parents struggled to adapt but father was stubborn. When he came of age Edward received the title of Earl of Haydon. Only then did his father finally saw sense and authorized him to be sent to St-Eustache. For better his son finish his formative years amongst peers than isolated from them. For he believed the latter's foundation to be solid: a true noble scion worthy of the Blackmore name, a fact which no amount of lower class degeneracy could erase. Plus, should more incidents arose, they would know how to deal with it accordingly.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: 15th August, 1791 Country of Origin: Great Britain Languages Spoken: English, French Affiliation: St. Eustice's School Motivation: To find their missing father, and help him however they can. If possible, also to live in a way that suits them. Habits: People watching, planning escape routes, sticky fingers, keeping caches around, slipping into a rougher accent when severly stressed or in company of lower classes. Hobbies: Gambling, coin magic, taking walks, reading, theater, smoking.
►Fears - For her father's safety - Impoverishment - Loss of freedom
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumors What rumours aren't there? The mysterious ward of the renowned Edward Montague, rarely seen in society. Some say he is a bastard born to a secret foreigner lover Edward chose to adopt, a few claim that he was a feral mute taken under his wing to be 'cured' as a pet-project, still others that he was recognized as a talented youth and cultivated for his father's benefit.
►Secrets Most obviously, that Josephine was born as a girl, sometimes feels like one, but presents as a man in society. There exists no birth certificate, the adoption papers recognize him as 'Ward of Edward Montague, male', and the application to St. Eustice's was filled for a Jo Montague. In her childhood, she offed a man who molested her.
-
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
Illusionist Jo has the ability to create and manipulate illusions and hallucinations, distorting the appearance of existent objects or persons as well as inducing convincing sensory experiences. In other words, they can make people believe something is real when it is not.
The more complex the illusion, the more concentration and mental imagery it requires to create, and the quicker it disappears. Number of engaged senses, number of affected targets, animation, size, and fine details are some factors which affect complexity. When they create an environmental effect (e. g. mist), all beings in the vicinity will be affected. Even they could get caught up in it, so they have to be careful where, when, and how to shape something.
All of Jo's phantasmal creations are based on their own experiences; the better they know something, the more convincing the replica. However, no matter how authentic they seem, they are not, and have a limited to nonexistent effect on reality. For example, the illusion of fire will feel scorching, and while someone might pass out from the phantom pain, they would suffer no burns nor would any object be damaged even if it appeared ablaze.
Wishing well For a price, Jo's illusions can last longer, be easier to create, and/or appear more impressive. For payment, he needs to offer money, though jewellry has proven to work as well. The exact rate of what is offered and how his illusions are affected is not clear. He must consciously assign a coin or other valuable to be used for a certain illusion, at which point it disappears, and is gone for good. He has discovered that physically etching coins is the surest way to use what he means, and no more. While this gives him a leg up in creating more complex or longer lasting phantasms, it does not negate the previously listed weaknesses.
The first memories Josephine has of life are a room packed with bodies, crawling over a pile of filth, empty-eyed stares, and shushed cries. Her mother provided for her when she could, clung to her at times, yet cursed and pushed her away at others. Lacking options, she often took her to the brothel she worked at to mind her.
Jo did not like it there anymore than she did at home, and started venturing out. Her mother did not mind leaving her to her own devices, so she quickly grew independent. Children around her age were rivals for resources rather than friends, but she found a gang of kids to run with. Jo learned how to distract, steal, escape, and look and act tougher than she was. It was during one of their failed schemes when she first discovered her ability.
Her power brought her renown.
Unfortunately.
The same people who had dismissed her as only one street rat among many suddenly saw her in a new light. They sought to take advantage, and sensing opportunity, her mother struck a deal with her employer. Jo was told she'd just be a side show, no more than a curiosity to draw in more customers. She gave it a whirl, but before long, something went wrong. No one lifted a finger to help her, so she took matters into her own hands. She ran away, and never looked back.
Jo lived on the streets for a year or two, using all they could to survive. They met Edward by pure chance. One day, a well-dressed man happened to spot them stealing something. Instead of saying anything, he asked for directions with a smile. The child offered to be his guide, but not for free, and the man agreed to pay. He was good on it, too, even gave them a bonus. That might have been the end of it, except a soup kitchen opened in the area within the month. The youngster thought it would be a scam, but when they went, food honestly was offered for free. They met Edward there again, who was apparently one of the organizers. The two spent a while talking, at the end of which Jo was asked if they would like a place to live at.
"What kind of place?"
That question was a turning point in their life.
It took months for Jo to even begin trusting Edward, longer still to accept that this wasn't too good to be true. He was clothed, fed, educated. More than that - for the first time in life, he experienced a loving, supportive, accepting environment. Jo progressed past illiteracy with astonishing speed, soaking up all that was taught like a sponge. He learned many things, including that being treated as a boy was comfortable to him most of the time. Edward accepted him whether as a daughter, a son, or a child of his who was neither. The first time Jo called him papa remains etched in both of their memories.
But life was ever cruel and unpredictable, a fact Jo was reminded of shortly after his 20th birthday. His father celebrated his special day with him, of course. Edward had a trip to make afterwards, and was supposed to return within the forthnight. Yet days passed and there was no sign of him. Jo reached out to whoever he could, yet no one had an answer. The authorities' response so far has been lacklustre. Since this is the year he planned to start at St. Eustice's anyhow, he intends to convince the headmaster to spearhead the search for his father.
Edward Montague, age 39. A respected merchant, cosmopolite, socialite, and philanthropist. He was born to a banker and the daughter of a prolific shop owner. Since a young age, he showed a knack for marketing, an eagerness to learn, and most of all, a talent for forming connections. He took an interest in engineering, was involved in the creation and spread of several innovations, invested in oversea trade, travelled abroad to strike deals or present in conferences, and partipated in several welfare projects. He was invited as a speaker at St. Eustice's on a handful of occasions as well. He is currently missing.
Favourite movie/TV show: More of an anime watcher, but I guess Black Swan.
@TimelessParagon Loving this gent. I believe he is going to be a lot of fun to have here.
Some notes: I would appreciate if you can have a month and day for his birthdate. Also, for his skills, sculpting and painting would be two different ones and the most skills you can have is 4 at this venture. You will learn and gain new skills as you go on. Please limit it to four of your choice.
Other than that, me and Blizz like him. So please let me know when you make the changes and then, if all else is good, he will be approved!
@SilverPaw Oooh this one is gonna be trouble, I can tell. Love their powers, like their history. Good blend of strengths and weaknesses and I am curious to see how they play out.
@TimelessParagon Loving this gent. I believe he is going to be a lot of fun to have here.
Some notes: I would appreciate if you can have a month and day for his birthdate. Also, for his skills, sculpting and painting would be two different ones and the most skills you can have is 4 at this venture. You will learn and gain new skills as you go on. Please limit it to four of your choice.
Other than that, me and Blizz like him. So please let me know when you make the changes and then, if all else is good, he will be approved!
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: 25th of july Country of Origin: Germany Languages Spoken: German, English and some bits of French and Spanish Affiliation: The Circus Motivation: The longing for a family Habits: He regularly twirl his moustache. He tries to keep a proud, straight posture in front of everyone, wether it is visitors or circus colleagues, but when he rest alone, he lie sprawled over anything that looks comfortable enough. Whenever and whatever he drinks, he always empties his glass in one go. Hobbies: Embroidery, which he picked up when learning to fix clothes. Gardening, but he doesn't get much opportunities for it since he joined the circus.
►Fears To lose people he got close to, to see his persona unmade, blood.
►Skills Grappling, feats of physical strength, acting, sewing.
►Shortcomings Boxing, acrobatics, academic knowledge, resisting to the pressure of authority.
►Likes Beer, fruits, music, his appearance after years of training.
►Dislikes Wine, meat (which he has to eat to maintain his muscle mass), the silence of night, those who take advantage of others' trust.
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumors Some say he accumulated many lovers and sired just as many children along the circus' travels. As with all circus strongmen, there are all sorts of stories on whatever tricks he might be using to fake his strength. Only a portion of them includes enlightened abilities. A few believe him to be a criminal on the run, hiding behind the circus. Usually those rumors don't just concern him but are instead aimed at most of the circus staff.
►Secrets He never had any sexual relationship. However, because many associate manliness with sex drive, he lets people believe he is sexually active to maintain his image. This often leads to awkward social interactions. He never talked about his family to his colleagues, but he still sends letters home occasionally. -
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
Mass alteration : Alphonse can double or half the size and/or weight of any non-living solid object he touches. The effect last as long as he wants but it requires concentration to maintains so it will always deactivates if he loses consciousness. He needs physical contact to apply his power but it remains even if he is separated from the item and it can be stopped from anywhere.
Aplhonse is very strong. This has nothing to do with his Mass alteration, rather it's a result of thorough training. However, it is very important for how he uses his ability.
Alfons was born in a small unassuming German village. He was a big brother who liked to look after his siblings. He was kind and caring. He had a simple and merry childhood.
Then, at thirteen, his normalcy went away. It started with heavy things getting lighter in his hands. Then tools he'd use would change sizes. His parents understood what was happening before Alfons and urged him to hide it. They were afraid of what could happen to him. Even if he were to avoid ostracization, there was the risk he would be conscripted. And they knew he was too kind for such a world of violence. Germany had been at peace for a long time, but the country was ready to throw itself in a war if it seemed profitable enough. That was simply the way of those things.
So, he kept living in this little village while hiding his nature. But no secret last forever. Rumors accumulated over the years. The neighbors could tell they were hiding something and the mystery only grew the tension.
He was 22 when he left for the city. He just couldn't take this life anymore.
However, he didn't have an easy time elsewhere either. He kept hiding what he could do and had trouble building relationships. He moved to other jobs. He moved to other cities. Eventually he moved to another country.
It was then he found the circus. Or rather, the circus found him. To this day, he doesn't know how Mr. Maleficar found out he was enlightened. But when he was offered not only a job, but an opportunity to be accepted for who he was, he couldn't help but accept.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: 19 August, 1793 Country of Origin: England Languages Spoken: French, English, Latin (Classical & Liturgical), Classical Greek, & Tuscan Affiliation: St. Eustice's School for the Enlightened Motivation: Lydia has historically been known to be listless and generally resistant to putting her Enlightenment towards any real use. In the past year, this has changed dramatically. It would seem she has come around to the importance of courtship and English high society and is making a good faith effort. What has changed? The frustrating truth she has understood is that this station of hers is no temporary arrangement, and she therefore cannot treat her life as a transient situation. Habits: Lydia is meticulously Continental, to such a degree that it appears utterly involuntary—even her interjections are French. Likewise, her private mannerisms and attitudes defy reasonable explanation; her nonverbal behaviours are quite unexpected from any young daughter of a merchant. Hobbies: Despite her intransigence as a student, it must be said that Lydia is a keen learner when left to her own devices. She possesses a passing interest in most subjects, endeavours to remain thoroughly informed as to the state of affairs, and adores the theatre. Almost never, however, does she apply knowledge or create art; she seems most eager to consume rather than produce. ►Fears At her core, Lydia is a craven. She retreats without hesitation from any sort of physical risk, even should doing so constitute a betrayal of those she is meant to honor. She is meticulous about hygiene, for fear of illness. So too does she revile the night air. She utterly rejects the very notion of engaging in any sort of risky physical endeavour. From anything that could readily bring her physical harm, she recoils, be it sword, fist, or sea. ►Skills True to form, despite being a difficult student in most respects, her proficiency in academic disciplines is, in general, formidable. She is extensively knowledgeable, if not supernaturally cognizant, in the field of history, in particular with respect to that of France and of Rome. With respect to other Humanities, she possesses an extensive familiarity with Continental literature, in particular poetry—to say nothing of her knowledge of philosophy. Her recollection of scripture, if perhaps strangely oriented towards Roman Catholic doctrine, is formidable. Such familiarity, however, seems less exceptional when it is understood that she possesses excellent command of Latin. This skill, evidently, has been of great use to her, for her extensive knowledge of contemporary and historical scientific and mathematical discoveries. If only she were more personable, she would surely be understood to have the foundations of a magnificent polymath. And if only she could be coaxed to produce rather than merely consume, one must imagine she would greatly contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a great many fields. ►Shortcomings Lydia is only a decent conversationalist if one prefers interest over nicety. Despite her recent efforts, her approach towards the specifics of English etiquette is one of begrudging acceptance, rather than proactive adherence. It very much shows, for how she still appears halting and unfamiliar with the minutiae, and is ultimately still prone to dismissing problems—to say nothing of her enduring and inexplicable Continental habits. In a similar vein, she bears a flippant attitude to many aspects of contemporary living. She is resistant to critique even when actively trying to behave otherwise. Although evidently capable of empathy, she can rarely be seen to proactively exercise creative perspective-taking—a heartfelt rebuker of the social model espoused in Adam Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments in opinion and behaviour alike is she. She is of an idle disposition; bears little, if any, measure of physical prowess or athleticism; and is easily distracted. And as if these failings were not sufficient, she is prone to motion sickness in the extreme; she will spend the majority of any trip by carriage or ship in a truly sorry state. ►Likes One must imagine Lydia to be an immensely busy reader for how she seems to devour writings on a great variety of topics. Beyond her private interest in the great many matters which compose her apparent encyclopaedic knowledge, she has professed an enjoyment for historical music, theatre, and fashion. Further, she is a proud student of the French language, and is keen to converse—ironically, recalling her struggles with English custom, prone to behaving in a manner that would see her well at home in the Ancien Régime. ►Dislikes If one were to attempt to list Lydia’s great many particularities, one would soon run into two problems. First, the breadth of the question. Second, the idiosyncratic and unpredictable nature of her preferences. Among the most broad of her aversions, however, is her disdain for any manner of domestic labour. Despite hailing from a family which by any account would not be imagined to employ such a wealth of servants as to produce an unfamiliarity with the notion, she strongly resists any attempt to induce her into doing anything of the sort. Indeed, not only does she disdain the work itself, but bears little esteem for those who engage in it—even less than one might expect from an individual of higher standing than labourers. Nor, curiously, does she hold those of her own nominal standing in great regard. In line with these clear opinions, she holds in ill regard the overwhelming majority of middle-class habits and lifestyle, to say nothing of her plain refusal to engage with anything of the lower classes in more measure than absolutely required of her. One must, in short, imagine her to dislike in some measure or another every minute aspect of her social standing, and yet, scarcely does marrying up seem a plausible solution either. She lacks any apparent pride in her country—a feature which would surely render her an unacceptable bride to any English noble.
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumors It has been asked on some occasions if Lydia’s apparent intellect is the result of Enlightenment at all, or instead a set of coincidences which she has taken to heart, such that she now uses her abilities with respect to animals in order to cheat at examinations and otherwise gain a dishonest academic advantage. Although there are clear holes in this explanation if one knows her history well enough, it may not be without its foundations in fact. In other areas, another rumour casts a different cloud over Lydia—and by extension, her parents. Her Francophilia must come from somewhere, and it has led some to question her parents' sympathies—to say nothing of her own.
►Secrets Lydia is a liar. She is truthful about her tastes, about her knowledge, and about her control over beasts—yet Lydia Wrottesley was born with none of this. Lydia may share her parents’ blood, but that is all she and who she should have been share.
-
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
Lydia Wrottesley is a young lady in possession of two distinct Enlightened abilities, both of an apparently psychic nature. Most apparent and most used is her supernatural intellect. As outlined elsewhere, she has already demonstrated an accumulated knowledge which would position her with the potential to become one of the great polymaths of history. Unfortunately, her abilities to apply this immense breadth of learning have yet gone largely unassessed. It remains plausible that her intellect is only Enlightened with respect to her ability to accumulate information and is indeed entirely unexceptional elsewhere. It is likewise possible that her intransigence is a sign of paralysis in face of the scope of mankind’s knowledge. No matter the reason, this unwillingness to add to man’s knowledge impairs any further understanding of the precise nature of this particular expression of her Enlightenment. It is for this reason that it cannot be said which of her Enlightened abilities is major and which is minor, as it cannot be thoroughly compared with the more well-understood of her abilities, that of her command over animals. Through the merest touch, she may assert her will over any manner of beast, commanding it as if its flesh were her own, and receiving its impressions. She has made clear that whatever more the beast may be able to see, hear, or smell than a human, she is unable to perceive, and yet is unable to perceive what a human might but that the beast in question cannot. She has further begrudgingly confessed that this is contingent on successful subsumption of the beast’s will. How she knows this is unclear; she has scarcely been seen to fail in this respect. Indeed, contrary to this assertion, she is capable of exercising control over multiple beasts at once, and consuming their impressions at once. So extensive is her ability to do so that one must on occasion wonder if her profound breadth of knowledge is more product of this formidable ability to split her attention than it is of a plainly superior ability to acquire knowledge—that she is so well read for having had more eyes with which to do so, rather than a greater singular mind with which to process it.
While it is common form for St. Eustice’s to initiate contact, in circumstances such as that of Miss Wrottesley, it is to be expected that her parents might see fit to alert the institution to their child’s apparent gifts. By Mrs. Anne Wrottesley’s recollection, it was no later than the age of three that Lydia’s Enlightenment became undeniable. Though the early onset of speech and reason was notable in its own right, several incidents wherein the Wrottesleys found their young daughter apparently able to comprehend writing in some measure, despite never having been taught, suggested a superior intellectual ability. Understanding this, a variety of prior occasions where domesticated animals could be seen to serve the child’s ends in manners which had previously been regarded as unexpected sociability from the beasts in question came into a new light. When these phenomena were expressed to St. Eustice’s, further examination revealed the Wrottesleys’ suspicions to be well-founded—their daughter was indeed Enlightened.
Prior to her twelfth birthday, Miss Wrottesley experienced extensive tutoring at her father’s expense, in coordination with St. Eustice’s. Though a consistently frustrating student, her Enlightenment has nonetheless shown itself time and time again nonetheless. Due to this oft-bemoaned difficulty of personality, the effort to construe the precise nature of her Enlightenment has remained a challenge in and of itself even since her arrival. By any accounts, she is an excellent student on the occasion that she can be coaxed into applying herself towards matters of genuine consequence. It was for many years the case that her personality remained the greatest impediment towards her education. However, in the past year, a fortuitous change has developed with respect to this matter. For what reason, one cannot say, but Lydia Wrottesley has turned a corner. Her engagement remains wavering in many areas, but it can scarcely be said that her attitude is so resistant as to make her education as exceedingly frustrating as it once was.
« D’accord. Votre traque termine ici. Je ne peux plus fuir. Quand vous me tuez, la maison d’Armagnac sera finie. Je ne crains pas ce sort, soyez assurés. Mais je suis bien amer. Nous sommes amers. Révolutionnaires, vous nous vainquîtes. Le présent nous trahissait, et donc je pourrais aussi bien faire la même. Comme je suis un homme damné, comme nôtre maison est damnée, comme nos morts sont toutes trouvées, je voudrais me confesser. C’est ça, votre récompense. Manants, écoutez vos supérieurs encore une fois. Votre récompense est la vérité. La vérité du duché. La vérité de la maison. La vérité de nôtre éveillement. Vous vous interrogeâtes souvent sur nos éveillements, non?
C’est estrange, non? Il n’y a jamais eu une autre famille qui manifeste toujours un éveillement, et toujours le mesme éveillement. Nous le cachasmes depuis trois siècles. Vous forçastes nos mains. Et comment maintenir cel statu quo? C’est tout simplement que nous ne sommes pas qu’une famille. Nous sommes qu’un estre, n'unit pas seulement dans le sang, mais aussi en esprit. Vous nous assassinastes encore et encore. Cors aprés cors, trouvé et guillotiné par vos armées des manants. Nous vismes la Révolution. Robespierre, sa Comité, le Terreur, et la Chute. La Directoire. Et cætera, et cætera. Mes yeux n'avaient pas vu cest événements, mais nous? Nous rappelons chasque exécution quand même. Nous partageons un esprit. Chasque personne, chasque Armagnac, depuis le XVIème siècle. Nous estions qu’une seule personne, habitant en chair et en os d'innombrables cors. Et maintenant? Je suis le cors final de la maison d’Armagnac. Nostre éveillement nous permit à enterrer d'innombrables cors.
C’est qu’une blague cosmique. D’estre réduit d’un seul cors, misérable et malheureux comme vous. Sauf que nous mentirons si nous dirons ça. La blague cosmique est que vous anéantissez nostre sang précieux, cel que nous cultivâmes depuis trois siècles. Nous sommes privés de nostre droit de naissance. Nous serons consignés au cors inadaptés. Vous seriez privés d’une victoire valable. La lignée Armagnac sera finie à vos mains, mais vous réussistes seulement à chasser nostre esprit de cels cors ici. Vous ne réussirez pas à chasser nostre esprit au paradis ni en enfer. Nous sommes autres malgré tout. Malgré leurs cors répugnants. Malgré leur sang impur. Malgré leurs lignées détestables. Malgré leurs patries inférieures. Malgré vous, nous resterons. Et nous reviendrons. Nous restablirons. Vos enfants, vos descendants nous accueilleront avec impatience. Savez-vous chasque forme qu’un estre humain peut prendre? Nous povons devenir n’importe quelle personne. Nous sommes bien plus instruits, bien plus résistants que vous. Nous sommes vaincus aujourd’hui, c’est incontestable, mais demain? Nous reviendrons un jour, et avec quelques nouveaux cors fonderons une nouvelle dynastie. Nous danserons sur vos cendres. Chasque révolte brusle jusqu’à cel qu’elle ne puisse pas brusler. »
– Etienne II d’Armagnac, shortly after his capture in Lemberg on 23 May, 1810
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: June 30, 1776 Country of Origin: Ireland Languages Spoken: English, French, Latin, Irish and German Affiliation: Independent Motivation: To aid those who can not pass on through normal means. Part of her gift is that she can not only see the trapped spirits who can not pass over, but converse with them. She can learn what caused their death, what unfinished business they may have, and even attempt to resolve it. Her power also allows her to pull a displaced spirit along for the ride if their unfinished business can only be resolved elsewhere. Thus, with this gift, she aims to always be on the lookout for those who need her help. Habits: Stares off into space as if a ghost is present even if one is not. Hobbies: Research, games of chance, writting
►Fears -Having unresolved business -A bad death -Prolonged silences
►Skills -Gift of gab -Enlightened Power Use -Games of Chance -Conversing with the dead
►Shortcomings -Fighting -Speaks her mind -Indifference -Acrobatics
►Likes -Cold rain -Being told a story -Mysteries -Tea -Gossip
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumors There is a substantial and unfounded rumor that dates back to her first use of her power after she first landed in England that she consumes an unreasonable amount of Opium to connect with the spirits. In truth, that was a cruel lie spread by a fake psychic in the same town and caught on like wildfire.
►Secrets Elsabeth has, on a few occasions, pretended to use her gift in exchange for money. While she is not proud of it, there are often cases where a haunted house is simply old and drafty. Thus, she will go inside, pretend to help the ghastly figure move on, and then blame the noises on the damage done to the house by the prolonged presence. She views it as providing a service; still, these clients get the peace of mind that they won't be possessed in the night, and she still gets a piece of bread for her troubles. -
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
The Sixth Sense: Elsabeth can see and converse with the spirits of the departed who have not passed on to their afterlife. She does not control the dead, but she can act as their final advocate and even petition them to assist her if a situation grows dire. For the most part, these spirits tend to reside at the place of their untimely demise. They grow cold, dark, and distant the further away from their death year they get. Their speech can be erratic and hard to understand. Yet, with the full application of her gift, she can provide a calming presence to them. Often, to be seen and heard again after centuries is enough to calm even the strongest tempest. And if that is not enough, her power can at least soothe them. While language barriers can exist, she finds that her repertoire of languages and an innate ability to get the gist of what they’re saying allow her to figure out what they want and how to help.
To truly do this Elsabeth has become a great listener, and an even better detective. Often, most spirits who linger had died a terrible, sudden, and traumatic death caused by someone they knew. If she elects to help a spirit, she will begin to research their story, their death, and see if she can figure out how to help them pass.
One area that this ability can fall short is if too many spirits in an area notice that she can speak and understand them, and all try to talk to her at once. A few spirits at a time is manageable, but often she’ll accidentally have hundreds trying to get her help at once. It’s unmanageable at best, and mind breaking at worst. As such, she will need to make smart decisions when it comes to large groups of spirits.
Elsabeth was born into a wealthy family in a poor village whose name is lost, like the language its people spoke. Death was a constant companion during her early years as strife, conflict, and disease ran unchecked through the Irish countryside. The memories she was able to cling to of her parents paint them in the warmest of lights. They ensured she was fed, clothed, and even taught her to read and write. She was given ample space to be a kid in a land filled with sights that should have robbed her of a childhood. Up until her tenth year of age she didn't face a struggle her parents couldn't overcome.
Elsabeth learned shortly thereafter that death was truly the grand equalizer of us all. A sickness, unlike any before, spread unchecked through the village. The people's faces grew pallid as their bodies became frail. In the earthen streets, many stayed, with outstretched hands, begging for help and assistance with the pain that filled their bodies. Eventually, this disease came to her house. Both her mother and her father stayed in bed more than they came out, and eventually they never rose from them again. At least, not with their bodies. As the rest of the village died outside their home, Elsabeth stayed inside, and her parents' spirits provided enough comfort during this traumatic time as her Enlightened ability awakened for the first time. Eventually, when the food stopped flowing to the nearby city, a patrol was dispatched, led by her favorite uncle, who discovered Elsabeth, frail but alive, and promised that he would take care of her from here on out. As she was led to the waiting horse, she looked back and watched as her parents were finally able to cross over. That moment was comfort in the midst of the chaos of her witnessing the trapped souls of all the former villagers who begged and pleaded for help, unable to see each other, and unable to be seen or heard by the soldiers.
The next five years were spent where education was her primary pursuit. She learned various languages, to the surprise of her teacher. In truth, this was done so that she might have a better chance and speaking with the spirits of the departed. Even in this city, the sheer number of spirits was overwhelming. Still, she took the education in stride and practiced what she could with her Enlightened ability. On her eighteenth name day, she left home with a note left on the table explaining the situation to her uncle and why she had to go. The note suggested she would first travel to England to find training with this ability, before returning home. In truth, she returned to the sight of her former village, where only ruins remained, and spent the next week helping the remaining villagers pass over as her parents had done previously.
In the years since, she has had to stay one step ahead of her uncle's forces, who seek to return her to her rightful place back home, where she is expected to marry and continue her family's legacy, while also earning what she can helping those who can afford to pay, and still helping those who can not. While she knows she means well, she has accomplished so much more than she ever could have in that cage. Every town she enters has a time limit, and it grows shorter by the day. As such, Elsabeth seeks aid in continuing her work.
@NoriWasHere Lovely character and I like the power you chose as well as the secrets and rumors. She's going to be fun to play around with.
Few notes: I would love to see some downside to her power use. You mention language barriers potentially but that didn't seem like too big an issue for her. Also you forgot something in your Extras section.
I don't know if @Blizz has any other notes, but once that gets tackled let me know and I can approve!
@NoriWasHere Lovely character and I like the power you chose as well as the secrets and rumors. She's going to be fun to play around with.
Few notes: I would love to see some downside to her power use. You mention language barriers potentially but that didn't seem like too big an issue for her. Also you forgot something in your Extras section.
I don't know if @Blizz has any other notes, but once that gets tackled let me know and I can approve!
M I S C E L L A N E O U S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Character Info Birthday: October 17, 1786, Country of Origin: England Languages Spoken: English/French/German Affiliation: Mr. Maleficar's Traveling Circus Motivation: Find an identity outside of performing/Gain more power Habits: Finger Tapping in Patterns/Avoids Eye Contact Speaking Hums When Nervous/Collects Small Shiny Objects. Hobbies: Storytelling/Shadow Puppetry and Light Shows/Gardening
►Fears -Separation from Each Other -Hurting one another -Losing Their Purpose
►Skills -Emotional Manipulation/Reading People -Sleight of Hand -Musicality & Rhythm -Craftsmanship
►Shortcomings -Unstable Emotional Regulation -Don't Fully Understand Their Powers -Prone to Obsession -Lack of Personal Boundaries
►Likes -Rainstorms at Night -Music Played Live -Protective over Children, especially Outcasts
S E C R E T S & L I E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ►Rumors Though most in the outside world have never seen them in person, whispers abound of “the Eclipse Twins” — two young Enlightened men, one black and one white, who are never seen in the same room yet always arrive together. Some claim they’re lovers. Others swear they’re brothers with a forbidden bond. The most popular tale is: “One walks by day. One by night. They communicate through dreams, mirrors, or ravens. Kill one, and the other dies screaming.” No one realizes they share a single body, save for Mr. Maleficar and a select few within the circus.
►Secrets Though they appear fully connected, Cassiel and Obasi can only hear each other’s conscious thoughts when they’re both "awake" and even then, it's not perfect. Each twin has private thoughts, hidden memories, and even internal dreams that the other cannot access unless they are fully dominant for a prolonged time. Cassiel hides a recurring nightmare where Obasi is surgically removed and left behind. Obasi hides the fact that he wishes Cassiel would die so he could be free.
When they were fourteen, Cassiel discovered a strange resonance in their mind, a moment when Obasi fell into a deep mental sleep after an intense use of his power. Rather than wake him or wait, Cassiel chose to remain in control, curious what full autonomy would feel like. By day three, he panicked. He couldn’t feel Obasi anymore. Day five, he cried. By day six, he nearly killed himself just to try and wake him. Obasi never remembered the time lost, and Cassiel never told him what really happened. But the guilt still claws at him whenever he looks into the mirror.
The real reason they were constantly locked up is because Obasi used his powers to kill a priest that spoke of cleansing the corruption. Their mother found the corpse, calling them devils. Their father locked them in the cellar for days. No one ever spoke of it again. Cassiel believes the accidental use of his shadow powers is the sole reason the children were abandoned, not knowing the parents feared he'd kill someone just as Obasi did. -
E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S
Umbral Marrow: Cassiel can manipulate and weaponize his own bone and flesh through shadows, forming blades, tendrils, or armor from within his body. These constructs are intangible in light but solid in darkness. He can meld into shadows and re-emerge elsewhere nearby, but doing so forces parts of his body to painfully distort and reform.
Minor: Cassiel can create a vacuum of shadows that mutes all sound in a short radius for a few seconds.
Weakness: The shadow-forged constructs damage his body over time, requiring healing and rest. His teleportation via shadows can dislocate bones or rupture muscles if used more than twice in rapid succession.
Prismheart: Obasi can bend light into destructive, radiant beams or false images. He can blind, dazzle, burn, and create intangible mirages. When focused, he can launch concentrated bursts of hot energy capable of punching through metal or stone.
Minor: He can cause his body to glow like a lantern, calming those around him or disorienting them if done too suddenly.
Weakness: The more he uses Prismheart, the more intense and uncontrollable the light becomes, risking burns or blindness, even to Cassiel. Using light in a shared body causes intense internal conflict, disrupting Cassiel’s focus or causing seizures.
In 1786, a wealthy couple — a minor noblewoman and a respected scholar — gave birth to twins fused in a single body. One pale. One dark. One cloaked in shadow, the other radiant in the cradle. They were whispered to be a divine omen… or a punishment. When the boys began to manifest their powers before age six, casting unnatural shadows across entire rooms or searing sunlight through glass windowpanes, their parents were terrified. Worse, the twins would argue with each other aloud, speaking to a voice no one else could see. Obasi would scream for control. Cassiel would beg for silence.
Their parents kept them locked in a darkened cellar for most of their childhood. Tutors refused to teach them. Church elders called them blasphemies of dual creation. When the twins turned ten, Cassiel accidentally enveloped a servant in living shadow. The man survived, barely, but with his mind unhinged.
That night, the parents drugged the twins and left them in the woods, abandoning them with a sign nailed to a nearby tree that read: “Damnation made flesh. Do not touch. Do not listen.”
Three days later, Mr. Maleficar found them.
Obasi was glowing faintly in the dark forest, sobbing. Cassiel was silent, comforting his brother from within. Mr. Maleficar took them in with open arms.. He called them The Eclipse Born, and gave them a stage where their powers and pain would be seen… and sold.
While Cassiel is dominant most of the time sporting a calm and methodical spirit, Obasi is stronger willed and able to gain greater control the longer Cassiel holds the body. This works perfectly for their performance, as it allows a quicker swap of the bodies in order to swap between their light show and shadow puppet act. This works vice versa, but since Cassiel has control most days it is much harder for him to swap at will when Obasi has control of the body.
@Expllo What a wonderful concept! Very Cloak and Dagger-esqeu. I like the powers you have given them and love them being in the circus. Makes sense.
You are just missing something in your Extras section, but provided @Blizz doesn't have any objections, once that's done let me know and we can approve them
