[b][h2]Elmore Reid[/h2][/b] [color=fdc68a][i][b]Phade: The Shadow Cowboy[/b][/i][/color] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1299007544156749865/1398879983526740098/Screenshot_20250727_000806_Docs.jpg?ex=6886f802&is=6885a682&hm=fc4f532c8de85b9952cd6398c2a4760f7944d03879a67238b399943362a9b0ba&[/img] [hider=Character Information][color=fdc68a]Archetype:[/color] Vigilante [color=fdc68a]Name:[/color] Elmore ‘Elm’ Reid [color=fdc68a]Aliase:[/color] Phade [color=fdc68a]Age:[/color] 25 / October 15th [color=fdc68a]Gender:[/color] Male [color=fdc68a]Alignment:[/color] Lawfully Neutral / Good [color=fdc68a]Height:[/color] 6’3 [color=fdc68a]Weight:[/color] 270 [color=fdc68a]Body Type:[/color] Muscular but a bit thick around the middle due to drinking [color=fdc68a]Hair Colour:[/color] Black with premature grey [color=fdc68a]Eye Colour:[/color] Hazel brown; the left eye white has a burst blood vessel [color=fdc68a]Notable Markings:[/color] To be discovered [color=fdc68a] Physical: [/color] Elm has a lean and muscular frame honed by years of labour under the sun. His arms are sinewy, each movement revealing the definition of his muscles. He also sports a bit more fat around the middle as he is an alcoholic. Elm's hands are large and rough, calloused from endless hours of hard work. The rough texture of his skin tells of countless days spent tilling soil, lifting heavy bales, and handling livestock. He also has hairy arms, chest, and body. Big brute of a man, dumb and clumsy with big feet and hands. [color=fdc68a]Personality: [/color] [indent] Elm is a quiet individual who often is cautious and introspective, preferring to listen rather than speak given the situation. Duto the times when he's forced into, conversation, he greatly struggles speech issues, causing him to be a bit awkward or self conscious. He doesn't like to talk much, more so willing to use body language or grunts to respond if he can. However, despite Elm's issues he manages to remain kind and hospitable, referring back to his Southern roots. Despby ite his reserved nature, Elm has a resounding passion for hero work as he's deeply empathetic, specifically for those in need or who are not looked upon favorably. He can see pain within others like none other, having witnessed cruelty and heartache in his owobject's he trys to do good in giving others his respect and guard. Dependable to a fault, Elm is someone who you can always count on to have your back, whether it be on the battlefield or just in personal affairs. He never shirks his responsibilities and is always there when needed, no matter the personal cost. He's deeply loyal, proving his worth to go the extra mile for another be it a friend, stranger, or enemy. His quiet strength and reliability provides a steadying presence in even the most chaotic situations. Elm's quiet demeanour isn't just a result of his introversion; It's a reflection of his introspective nature. He spends a lot of time in thought, reflecting on his actions, his purpose, and the world around him. Everything can be examined and he takes care to critique himself, even with the most simple mistakes. Elm is unassuming and modest, never seeking the spotlight. He's actually quite old fashioned and mistaken for being an older man, using proper titles and addressing individuals by mister or miss. Very chivalrous and courteous, he puts others before himself out of habit. He constantly feels judged and less then, causing him to act in ways that showcase his submissive nature such as being the first to break eye contact, stepping down if he's yelled at/criticised, and shying away from praise.[/indent] [color=fdc68a]Fears: [/color] [Indent] Iatrophobia- The medical term for an intense fear of doctors, medical care, or the medical system. People with iatrophobia may experience physical or emotional symptoms, and may avoid routine checkups, tests, bloodwork, or surgeries. In extreme cases, they may refuse to seek medical attention even when they're very sick [color=fdc68a]Agoraphobia-[/color] is an anxiety disorder that causes an intense fear of being in public places or situations where it might be difficult to escape or get help. People with agoraphobia may fear busy places like shopping centres, airports, or public transportation, but any public place can feel threatening.[/indent] [color=fdc68a]Conditions:[/color] [Indent] Apraxia- Elm has a condition called apraxia which means he has an inability to coordinate mouth and tongue movements for speech production at times. Symptoms include difficulty moving smoothly between sounds, syllables, or words, groping movements to make the correct sounds, and voicing errors. On top of that, he's got a Southern drawl, poor thing[/indent][/hider] [hider=Power Information][color=fdc68a] Powers: [/color] [b]Darkness Manipulation[/b] [Indent]Shadow manipulation, also known as Umbrakinesis or Darkness Manipulation, is the ability to control the properties and behavior of shadows and darkness. In reality, shadows are simply the absence of light, lacking any true substance. However, in fictional settings, shadow manipulation often treats shadows as a tangible force that can be shaped, solidified, and wielded at will. Thus, this ability straddles the line between an intangible concept and a versatile medium, blurring the boundaries between imagination and physical reality. Because of the unknown qualities of the power itself, there are some rules and regulations that will dictate the strength, durability, and longevity of the power in its solid state and the full compass of the power when it's simply a concept.[/indent] [u][b]Solid Constructs[/b][/u] [Indent] Elm can solidify shadows into tangible constructs, shaping them into functional forms such as cages, nets, barriers, hooks, ropes, and weapons. These shadow-forged tools are fully responsive to his will, allowing him to animate them for defensive maneuvers, entrapment, or support in battle. The physical properties of his creations mimic the real-world equivalent of what he’s forming. For instance, a shadow rope has the tensile strength of an actual rope and can snap under strain, while a shield behaves like a metal counterpart, capable of blocking several blows. One of Elm’s signature techniques, and one he’s most infamous for, is his use of shadow bullets. Formed from condensed darkness and fired with the velocity and impact of real projectiles. Another signature technique is his second pair of arms. These arms mimic his own movements but can stretch, flex, and rotate up to one hundred and eighty degrees. They can squeeze into tight spaces and pick up or manipulate physical objects. However, these arms will vanish if they take too much damage, usually after about five solid strikes. Even though they disappear, they can be summoned again after a brief recovery period. They cost him very little energy to maintain, and the most effective way to keep them at bay is to keep Elm under pressure or somehow incapacitate him physically. Despite their versatility, Elm’s shadow constructs come undone with limited duration and fragile concentration. The moment his focus falters, even for a blink, they begin to unravel. Maintaining any solid shape requires not just energy, but unwavering mental presence. His power is intimately tied to his confidence and clarity. A steady hand and a steady mind are essential to keeping his creations stable. If Elm drops a shadow-forged item or shifts his attention elsewhere, it doesn’t fall, it simply vanishes, dissolving back into darkness as if it was never there. Forgetting to focus on a specific construct, even momentarily, causes it to dissipate. This makes multitasking difficult and forces him to be selective and intentional with every creation. (FOR NOW) Say a construction is being rapidly hit? Weak spots will appear after repeated strikes, and eventually they can be broken through entirely. It really depends also on everything I've mentioned above as well as the strength of an opponent.[/indent] [u][b]Conceptual Guise[/b][/u] [Indent]Like other Shadow or Darkness manipulators, Elm can step into surrounding darkness and use it as a cover to his advantage. And it can occur in a few different ways. One of his most potent abilities is his ability to shadow travel. He can step into one patch of darkness and reappear from another, as if slipping through the seams of reality. By phasing into a shadow, he temporarily enters a liminal space between the physical world and a small pocket dimension of his own making, allowing for near-instantaneous movement across short distances. He can travel up to 30 to 40 feet and can carry 2-3 people with him. His ability has a cooldown of roughly 3 posts before it can be used again. The transition is near-instant but marked by a brief blur or flicker of motion as he melts into the gloom and emerges elsewhere. However, light is his greatest weakness here. Should someone shine light on the shadow he’s about to emerge from, he’ll be forced back to his starting position. Elm also has the potential to lose everything if the area is blasted with light, he can become trapped in this pocket dimension, ending the roleplay as he can not get out. His most signature skills are causing a reverse flash bang, able to engulf areas within a 20ft radius in impenetrable darkness, cutting off all natural and artificial light. This can give him easy access to shadow travel or be used to blind or momentarily stun by cutting off the lights. He can only use his shadow bullets to perform this. Unlike shadow travel, Elm has refined his technique further, learning to convert his entire body into shadow instead of phasing through it. In this form, he can move as a dark smear along surfaces, walls, ceilings, or floors. This allows for silent, high-speed traversal and evasiveness in dim or fully dark environments. In these conditions, engaging him becomes a challenge, as strikes pass harmlessly through his semi-immaterial form. As a whole, light and light-based powers remain the most effective counter to Elm. He can only draw power from existing shadows and darkness, which means his abilities peak at night or in dark places. Any light manipulation or light generation can nullify his abilities, and relying too long on his powers will drain his energy and mental stability. Being forced into the shadow realm, in particular, is extremely dangerous for him, often leaving him disoriented and weakened once he finally returns.[/indent] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1299007544156749865/1398879991629877258/Screenshot_20250727_000830_Docs.jpg?ex=6886f803&is=6885a683&hm=64e29e90d1a90b4f2828d0cf55da0c1c2047642c61a1859bb9a8e1cc5a2c7d9f&[/img][/hider] [hider=Equipment][color=fdc68a]Equipment: [/color] [u][b]Shadow Guns[/b][/u] [Indent]The shadow guns themselves are normal guns that are used as conduits for Elm to focus his powers to perform precise, speedy attacks. Elm is a lot more receptive with using his powers with a conduit as using his shadow manipulation freely is not something he is very comfortable with. These guns can also be stored within shadows, allowing him to pull them out when needed.[/indent] [u][b]Shadow Bullets:[/b][/u] [Indent]Instead of using conventional ammunition, the gun uses "shadow bullets." These bullets are created by Elm manipulating shadows into dense, solid forms. Reloading the shadow gun might involve Elm focusing and gathering shadows from the environment, recharging the gun with new shadow bullets. This process could be instantaneous or take a moment of concentration, depending on the intensity and duration of the battle. When fired, they have unique properties as they can; Pass through objects: Depending on the objects density, shadow bullets can phase through solid objects or barriers. Barriers that are 6–12 inches thick can be passed through. Examples would include walls, floors, ceilings. He wouldn't know where the target is however, he can only make guesses. Absorb light: The bullets can absorb light, creating temporary darkness where they hit, disorienting opponents. The range of this attack is 15ft of darkness on all sides of where the bullet hits for 3 turns. Transform: Upon impact, the bullets could transform into tendrils or other shadow constructs, ensnaring or damaging targets in unconventional ways. These bullets can also act as normal bullets depending on how he shifts them as they fly.[/indent] [b][u]Pistols: [/u][/b] [Indent]Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker) A legendary revolver, often referred to as "The Gun that Won the West." Known for its reliability and stopping power, it’s a staple in cowboy lore. Single-action revolver, 6-round. 75 to 100 yards. At fifty yards it was considered good shooting to group the shots in a six-inch circle. But it could be effective at long range[/indent] [u][b]Shotgun:[/b][/u] [Indent]Winchester Model 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun This lever-action shotgun offers both the ruggedness and historical accuracy fitting for a cowboy. It's powerful and versatile, perfect for close-range encounters. Lever-action, 6 rounds. 15 meters, The user must wait at least 1.43 seconds in between shots to deal with recoil[/indent] [u][b]Large Gun:[/b][/u] [Indent]Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, Often called "The Gun that Won the West" (alongside the Colt SAA), this lever-action rifle is ideal for longer-range engagements. It provides a significant step up in terms of firepower and range compared to a pistol or shotgun. Lever-action, 15 rounds range of 150 yards with its cartridge. It's not considered to be very precise, but it's accurate enough for hunting and fighting. One review notes that the rifle has open sights that are accurate at 50 yards, and that a precision aperture sight could improve the accuracy even more.[/indent][/hider] [Hider=Backstory & Now][color=fdc68a] Backstory [/color] [Indent]Elmore Reid was born and raised in the deep South, tucked away in the quiet, wooded backcountry of rural Tennessee. His parents, Jeremiah and Sarah Reid, came from a long line of cattle ranchers and self-sufficient farmers being people who believed in the sanctity of the land, tradition, and living simply. For generations, the Reids had worked the soil with their own hands and tended to herds of beef cattle, rotating them across patchwork fields and forested clearings. Life on the Reid homestead bore a strong resemblance to the Amish way of living, despite not being Amish in name. The family shunned most modern conveniences, favoring a slower, more deliberate pace of life. Electricity was sparse and often limited to essentials, and machines were used only when absolutely necessary. Jeremiah preferred tools that didn’t plug in, and Sarah still churned butter by hand, wove quilts in the evenings, and lit oil lamps as dusk settled over the farmhouse. Their days started before the sun rose and often ended long after it set. Their community, while not formally Amish or Mennonite, was heavily influenced by Plain traditions. Neighbors bartered more than they bought, and the weekly farmer’s market felt more like a gathering of kin than a place of business. Everyone pitched in during harvest season, and no one went hungry if another could help it. Modesty, humility, and discipline were prized virtues—taught not with harshness, but with consistency and example. The Reids were also deeply religious, their faith the bedrock of every decision, tradition, and ritual in their lives. Elm was raised beneath the shadow of the church steeple, where sermons spoke of stewardship, obedience, and the value of a quiet life. Sundays were sacred, reserved for worship, family, and reflection. He learned early on that idle hands were the devil’s tools and that everything in life—from milking the cow to reciting scripture had a purpose. In that close-knit world, Elm learned to listen more than he spoke, to mend what was broken, and to carry the weight of responsibility without complaint. For complaint and grumbling was sin.[/indent] --- (Power development) --- [Indent]One stormy night, as thunder rumbled and lightning illuminated the sky, Elm felt an unusual sensation coursing through his body. He awoke from a restless sleep to find his room shrouded in darkness, darker than any night he had ever known. Like quicksand, the darkness began to press in and around him, consuming the young boy as his powers went haywire. Hysterical he was blasted with visions of distorted demonic nightmares as they began to wrap around him and change as his powers matured and stretched. Every story, every fear he had heard muttered came true in this moment. The devil was real, and his powers spiraled. Elm only fuel it's shifts more as his nightmare got worse. His mother, who had been the only one home, rushed in with a lit gas lamp to see what the racket was about.[/indent] [color=a0410d]What occurred that night marks a change in the young man's life forever[/color] [Indent]Elm managed to survive that night, though the emergence of his powers did not go unnoticed and certainly not unpunished. In the eyes of the church, what had awakened in him was not a gift, but a curse. Possession, they called it. A demonic affliction. A blight sent by the Devil himself. Almost overnight, Elm went from being a quiet, obedient farm boy to a pariah and an object of fear, shame, and wrath. The very congregation that had once smiled at him over hymnals now looked upon him with suspicion and disgust. His family handed him over to the church elders for spiritual correction without hesitation. What followed was not salvation, but abuse cloaked in sanctity. Days spent in isolation, fasting until his lips cracked and his vision blurred. Nights spent under the weight of scripture and ritual, as the elders tried to "drive the demon out." He was bound, beaten, and doused in holy water until he shook with fever. They screamed prayers over his body, pressed crosses into his skin until they left burns, and forced him to confess sins he hadn’t committed just to make the pain stop. But he could not speak a word, his voice was shattered. Whether it was the trauma or some deeper retreat into himself, he didn't speak for years after. Eventually, when his body broke under the strain of it, he had fortunately become a man. A quiet, lost man. He was given up and left to meditate on his life, forced to repent for the life he selfishly had. But alas, there was so much more that he had undergone. Elm had no place but the barn outside his family's home and the whispers of his brother Judge who kept an amber bottle of whiskey for his younger brother. They sipped and talked, Judge being the only one to speak to him but Elm knew he hated him still.[/indent] --- (Phade: The Shadow Cowboy) --- [Indent]Judgment was all he knew, but by the time he had turned 21, Elm was determined to find his path. Despite his best efforts, shadows seeked him out and strokes his senses. It was far easier to make friends with a shadow, to bend it and use it. It felt awful and terrible but the more he used it the pressure began to subside. He felt sinful for this, but his hands continued to experiment. And soon under the cover of darkness, he became a masked shadow figure who loomed in the night. With his powers, he grapple with his guns and filled them with shadow bullets to use the powers he had been plagued with like any tool, like any weapon. It was easier to comprehend that way. But this shift, this disguise was a means for Elm to feel like he was more than the sum of his fears and the anxieties of those around him. He could not live like he had and he couldn't allow his powers to go unchecked again. In the cloak of night, he ventured into the heart of the city near his town, where his deeds as the shadowy vigilante began to stir whispers among the townsfolk. By day, he remained the quiet, pariah man who rarely travelled from his homestead, but by night, he was a figure of mysterious justice, using his powers to protect the innocent and punish the wicked. This duality allowed Elm to navigate his complex identity, balancing the boy he once was with the powerful, enigmatic being he was becoming. Yet, despite his newfound purpose, Elm's journey was fraught with challenges and it pushed him onwards. No longer able to face the challenges at home and live the double life, he thrusts himself into the world of hero work to find himself and maybe… something worth all this hassle of the heart.[/indent][/hider]