Here are the character profiles and teaser for the contest:

Snowflakes scattered across the warm stone, heated by both the hearth and the myriad of candles scattered in what was otherwise a dark chamber. His form, seated upon the stone chair, was relaxed at rest.

Somehow the sight of his younger cousin, ruler of his clan, made the caretaker's heart skip. There was something unnatural in the way he slept, the older of the pair realized. Perhaps it was the number of breaths he took, shallow and soft, hardly disturbing the sanctity of his silken robes. Or maybe, he realized on further reflection, it was the paleness of his flesh, porcelain but for the crimson amber of the flames.

The dull pall that had been draped about his insides like a black mantle deepened. Istas wondered for a moment if the changes in his cousin's behavior were also affecting him adversely--they were connected in soul, after all, as all caretakers and Oracles before them had been. Even the clan's god had been connected to someone when he'd incarnated on earth as a small child.

He shook away his misgiving and steeled his resolve. He had no reason to fear the Oracle; he'd all but raised him.

"Cousin?" The word caught dry in his throat and he had to clear it, his voice absorbed by the ancient stone. A gentle inhalation and the Oracle's eyes opened, weary, staring into his and asking in silent scorn what his caretaker wished.

"I'm sorry, if I've come at a bad time..."

There was a weighted pause.

"There's never a bad time to speak with the one who is as a brother to me." Isktyr offered him a thin smile and bid him to come closer.

Something was wrong, Istas knew. Something that had begun with his sister's death weeks before and was culminating to the gods knew what ever since. His boots felt turned to lead but he came, kneeling before his kinsman as clan custom dictated he must.

Isktyr had been with her body, he remembered, before the clan Elders had come and dragged him away. Then he'd fallen unconscious, and when he woke again, it had taken most of the caretaker’s strength to hold him down to prevent him from hurting himself. Istas rubbed ruefully at his wrists, where the wounds his cousin had unconsciously inflicted upon him in their struggle stung afresh.


"Now tell me of your ailments, cousin, you look troubled," Isktyr bid softly.

Suddenly he felt a fool. It had all seemed so real when he'd dreamed it the evening before, but now that he had someone to tell his nightmare to, he couldn't find the words. He licked his lips under the seer's expectant stare and hesitated.

"Tell me." While still quiet, the edge of command was a fiery undercurrent in his hiss.

"There was a woman," Istas started, his narrative spilling like blood from a wound. "She came to me in a snowy field, begged me to help her, to help...This is going to sound like madness, but she wanted me to help...Him. She said her name was Sallust."

"And who is this 'Him,' cousin?"

"He...The Damned One." Istas dared now to look up at the Oracle, laughing in disbelief at himself. "She claimed to be His caretaker. Perhaps I shouldn't have come here, just gone to the healer for something to help me sleep rather than bother you. I know Sesra's death has probably had a hand in these nightmares I've been getting. But I wondered, could such a dream have any meaning?"

"Everything has a meaning, Istas." The stirring of clothes, and his cousin's cold hands cupped either side of his face. The shock sent a chill ripple through Istas' body. He glanced up, eyes filling with confusion.

"Isktyr...?"

"You're not to listen to that woman!" And those hands closed in upon his throat, squeezing, threatening to end his life. So sudden was it that Istas choked and grabbed at his cousin's wrists, the world dimming in front of him. Isktyr watched dispassionately as his cousin's eyelids flickered, then started to close.

He remembered hearing his sister's scream and being too late to stop her killer...

Blessed release, and he was on the floor, dragging in great gulps of air.

"Isktyr," he panted, choking as he heaved himself up. "What, what's wrong with you?!"

Their eyes met, and then, something inside the Oracle changed.

"Istas..." The younger one backed away, horror staining his features as he shook his head. "I, I didn't mean, I couldn't control..."

And then Istas recalled something else, the gathering of the Elders, the way they'd spoken. Cursed, damned, they'd whispered. Was there really any possibility that after all of this time, Xenophon the Damned, the fallen demon Oracle, might reincarnate as the old stories said? There had been evidence someone had broken into the clan library and had been trying the ritual of awakening.

A ritual that needed blood.

When he looked back up at his cousin, it was with new eyes.

He was a legend fulfilled in flesh.












Character profiles


Here are some basics about the main characters both past and present for this competition. Just thought I’d give folks some basic background, but if you need more details, please feel free to note me with something about it being for the competition in the subject line.



Characters from the past:

2,000 years before the current storyline, these characters lived in a time of political upheaval and strife. The clan, despite their best efforts to remain free, lived under the political thumb of a neighboring kingdom.


*Name: Xenophon Minuo-Maris

Name meaning (in clan): ‘He of the peoples’ blood’

Age: About six, then later approx. early twenties

Occupation: Oracle for his clan, warrior

Personality: Once an optimistic and happy child, Xenophon later grew into what many would describe as a holy terror. Opinionated and arrogant, it was Xenophon’s aim to bring his clan back to the ‘days of glory’ they once had in a distant time. Believing fervently in an old legend that stated only the strongest of Oracles could resurrect the clan’s patron god, Xenophon experimented heavily in dark practices and later is said to have lost his mind in the process, becoming a demon. Burned at the stake for ritual purification, his tale has become a cautionary one passed down through generations. His name is rarely spoken and never in casual conversation; rather, he is referred to as the Damned One.

Reference pictures:[link] [link] [link]
[link]


Overall appearance: Height: 5’8” (when grown) Eye color: Yellowish-brown Hair: Black, threaded with white feathers

Color scheme: Doesn’t need to be followed if you really don’t want to, but Xenophon usually wears red and black, and, being of high status among his people, elaborate robes.

Note: I have no updated pictures for Xenophon, but since he's been altered some since his creation, he's not an elf anymore.


*Name: Sallust Minuo-Summisse (called ‘Sally’ )
Name meaning (in clan): ‘One of wisdom/tranquility.’

Age: Late teens, later approx. in her thirties

Occupation: Caretaker for Xenophon, warrior

Personality: Upbeat, chipper and a bit on the quirky side, Sallust became the caretaker and mother-like figure for her younger first cousin when he was orphaned at the age of four. With her own parents killed in a political skirmish when she was a young teenager like many children, Sallust had long since learned to care for herself. She has an array of pet names for Xenophon even after he’s grown, among which are ‘ducky’ and ‘love.’ Her dedication to her cousin is second to no other cause. What will she do, however, when her cousin’s true feelings are known, and what choice will she make when asked by her clan’s Elders to kill her cousin for his heresy…?

Reference pictures: I just have the one right now. Her character design is perhaps the loosest, but it can be found here: [link]

Overall appearance: Height: 5’5 Eye color: Light blue Hair: Wheat-blonde, coming about halfway down her back when unbound, although she often wears it up or in a braid.

Color scheme: Again, probably the loosest out of the characters here, but probably shades of blue or maybe blue-green. She often wears loose embroidered tunics and trousers, preferring formal garb like frocks when it’s a special occasion.

Story snippets: Woefully underdeveloped, if you have questions please note me and I’ll do my best to write a specific scenario out for you.


Present day characters:

Living during a slightly calmer time in the clan’s overall history, these characters are soon thrown into turmoil when past conflicts rise again to the surface. Casting a pall over them are old and blood-stained secrets that have been buried but not forgotten.


Name: Istas Claritas-Ferito

Name meaning (in clan): ‘The sleeping warrior; bright battle’

Age: About seventeen in the beginning of his story, later, mid-thirties or so

Occupation: Caretaker for the clan’s Oracle, captain of clan’s guard

Personality: Despite responsibility being placed on his shoulders at an early age, Istas doesn’t seem to let it affect him. To outward appearances a slacker and somewhat light-hearted, he’s usually the first to smile at a joke and have a very worry-free, ‘take it all as it comes’ approach to life. The first son of three children, he is first raised to take on the traditional responsibilities of such until the birth of his smaller second cousin. Growing up, he preferred the company of his mother over his harsh and nasty father. He became his cousin’s caretaker officially in his late teens, but had been caring for the boy since he was about thirteen or so, when his aunt and uncle died. While growing up in a very turbulent home life, Istas has a habit of hiding his deeper and darker feelings.

In spite of his usually sunny demeanor, he isn’t one to mince words when it comes to family or close friends. Very protective of those close to him, he later grows troubled when a mysterious woman begins to appear in his dreams after the supposed murder of his younger sister, and even moreso when violent changes he can’t explain start to rise in his cousin’s personality. The dreams reoccur, and in them, the young woman claims her name is Sallust. In exchange for asking the gods for her cousin’s reincarnation, she herself has been condemned to walk the plane between life and death and now, she needs his help.


Overall appearance: Height: 6’0” Eye color: Hazel Hair: Middling brown

Color scheme: Shades of green, occasionally darker colors.

Story snippets: Can be found here: [link]

Reference pictures: [link] (he's the one in the armor)

[link]
[link] (on the left)


*Name: Isktyr Claritas-Spes

Name meaning: (in clan): ‘Ancient and enduring bright hope.’

Age: When made the Oracle, he’s about six, later, about mid-twenties

Occupation: Oracle for his clan

Personality: Generally, Isktyr can be best described as a serious, meek and somewhat introverted young man, raised in the trappings of tradition that he sometimes finds chafing. He often prefers his own company to that of others and has to be reminded that life isn’t all about one’s duty. Underneath the quieter surface, however, Isktyr can often be dry and witty, preferring to break tradition when he feels it necessary. Although he and Istas argue and banter back and forth plenty and he’s hard-pressed to admit it aloud, Isktyr is as willing to sacrifice what he must for his cousin as his cousin is for him.

After the death of Sesra, Istas’ younger sister, he becomes deeply disturbed. However, it’s believed her death has a deeper purpose, that of awakening the spirit of the supposedly reincarnated Xenophon. On the edge of death at the time, Isktyr accepts Xenophon’s assistance but pays a dark price: in order to survive, he must take the souls of the living and feed upon them, condemning them to be forever one with his own soul. As war threatens to rise, he must make a choice: follow his darker half’s agenda, or refuse? And just how does someone reconcile themselves with a demon that’s part of their own soul?

Overall appearance: Height: 5’7” (to his chagrin, he’s the shortest man in his immediate family) Eye color: Grey Hair: Dark brown, later grown to about his shoulders and threaded with feathers.

Color scheme: White contrasted with either dark blue or light green.

Story snippets: Can be found here: [link]

Reference pictures:
[link] (the one being held in this case)
[link] (contains some potentially disturbing content)
[link]
[link] (picture by Adele Lorienne S.)
[link] (on the right)


Other characters:

While not connected directly to the main plot, they play important roles nevertheless.


Name: Nexcasus Claritas-Ferito (called Cas)

Name meaning (in clan): ‘Enduring light of the first pledge.’

Age: Early twenties

Occupation: Lower-ranking warrior

Personality: Cocky and overconfident, Nexcasus is the youngest of three children. Clearly his father’s favorite, Cas has taken on the traditional role of ‘first son’ in his father’s eyes. Deeply resentful of his elder brother and jealous of the bond between he and the Oracle, Cas has always felt secretly overshadowed by his more important brother. He often belittles and makes fun of his brother, but also takes this a step further by mocking the Oracle, who he blames more for Istas’ pulling away from their family more than he does Istas himself. His ambition drives him to be the best of the best, and in a time where the gods themselves might walk the earth anew, he throws himself headlong into something that ultimately is beyond his comprehension.

Overall appearance: Height: 6’2” Hair: Dark brown and a bit past his cheekbones. Eyes: Blue-green

Color scheme: Prefers black and grey

Story snippets: Please ask via a note and I’ll send you some.




*Name: Terida Atrer-Surgo

Name meaning (in clan): ‘Rising in a dark moment’

Age: Early thirties

Occupation: Mage/warrior, also Istas’ friend (later fiancé )

Personality: Growing up the daughter of a renowned family, Terida was schooled in all of the formal arts of both spirit magic and fighting. During their early years in training sessions, Terida met and befriended Istas, although the two didn’t speak as often as they might have liked. In her later years, she is implicated in the possible murder of Sesra, along with her fiancé at the time, Azrakul. With Xenophon’s awakening, Terida’s problems grow more complex as she comes to realize her soul is bound to his as that of his servant in a dark scheme, along with her impending exile.

Wary of new people and somewhat mistrusting, Terida takes a time to warm up to them, but once the icy exterior is melted, she becomes helpful and somewhat friendly. After her exile, she meets and again befriends Istas, who now has a problem in controlling his cousin’s mad desires to bring forth a dark age.

Overall appearance: Height: 5’4” Hair: Black and mostly worn loose, falling just past her shoulders. Eyes: Brown.

Color scheme: Not set in stone, so feel free to be creative. She often wears gowns and silver jewelry along with trinkets in her hair when not in physical combat.

Story snippets: Please ask me via a note and I’ll send some to you.


*Name: Azrakul Caelum-Procella

Age: Mid-twenties

Occupation: Sorcerer, future Elder

Name meaning (in clan: ) "Sky's violent rule" (name meaning implies one born to rule)

Personality: Born to an upper-class clan family known for their wealth and prestige, Azrakul was the last of five children. Due to genetic inbreeding (being the son of two first cousins who were themselves the children to a brother and sister), Azrakul’s skin is pale and his hair white, unusual for a clansman. At the age of thirteen, while out on a hunt with his father, Azrakul was the victim of a stray arrow. Brought close to death, he was saved by a healer’s skilled intervention. After that, he took a strong interest in spirits and the afterlife, as well as sorcery. For this, he was kicked out of his family and later settled to marry a woman of his own choosing rather than following the family’s tradition of marrying among their own bloodline.

Ambitious, Azrakul was named a future Elder to his clan when he came of the proper age to inherit the title. Being of an older bloodline, Azrakul gained many privileges in the clan and when he and his wife had a son, the child was named to be the heir to the Oracle’s position. However, his son, Caligo, was born what the clan call a ‘half-soul,’ so spiritually and physically stunted he would live a short life and therefore declared unfit to be the next Oracle. He also lost his wife to the birth. Enraged and sorrowed, Azrakul went first to Isktyr, who could do nothing for the boy.

Failing that, the man took matters into his own hands and began to study his craft intensely, wherein he stumbled across an old legend about a mad Oracle and his quest to revive the old gods and control them upon earth. Armed with a new mission, Azrakul gathered followers and in the process met Terida, who was very taken with him and Cas, who was eager to prove himself to anyone willing to listen. Manipulating those with nothing to lose, Azrakul prepared to awaken and use the Damned One for his own purposes. What he didn’t bank on was Xenophon being just a little more than he could safely control.

Overall, Azrakul is a prideful and somewhat tortured man, driven by his schemes to the point of being reckless.

Overall appearance: Height: 6’1” Hair: White. Eyes: Very light green.

General color scheme: He tends towards dark colors and loose clothing, but the design and exactly what those colors are is up to you.

Story snippets: Please note me and I’ll send them to you.



Name: Hao (last name unknown; first name might be a pseudonym)

Name meaning (in clan): Unknown, but some have applied the phrase, ‘Born suited to annoy all around him.’

Age: Appears to be about twenty-seven.

Occupation: Jack of many trades. Calls himself a wine-maker and stand-in healer, but reveals to those closest to him that he’s actually a necromancer.

Personality: Hao takes joy in being a morbid individual, fascinated by the darker aspects of life and death, taking a macabre delight in telling people about internal organs, blood, and his ‘special’ home-brewed wine. For all of this he’s a trickster and enjoys a good joke or two, especially when someone else bears the brunt of it. He is often concerned about money and payment for services rendered, whether they’re healing or something of a more clandestine nature. Most of his past and where he’s actually from are a mystery, but it seems he has more up his sleeves than a cheap magician and about as much in his head at times. Most people find him an irritation, but Istas and Isktyr are willing to tolerate him to a point when he offers to help them with their demon problems. Under his demeanor, however, Hao hides his own past and his own secrets.

Hates the mention of cute things such as ribbons, lace, bunnies, and rainbows.

Overall appearance: Covered in ritualistic tattoos up and down his arms, cheeks and eyes, wears a dark tunic and trousers under his black robes.

Height: 5’9”. Hair: Black, shaved on the sides and pulled back to make a braid going most of the way down his back. Eyes: Dark green.

Color scheme: Being a necromancer, he prefers dark colors but isn’t adverse to wearing some lighter ones, either. So long as it’s not pink, and so long as it hasn’t got bunny-print on the material, he’s happy with most clothing.

Story snippets: Please ask via a note and I’ll send them to you.


* = denotes characters/storylines taken from or heavily inspired by old role-plays I had with and used with her permission. Just giving credit where it’s due!

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