Degare's Mural

[Degare]

Looking through shattered dreams and cracked memories, what will go here?

[Degare]

†GRAVEYARD†

Ghosts of Degare's past.

Sebastián

Sebastián Socorro
Role: Adoptive Father
Birth: 2nd of Sun's Zenith, Searing, 4488
Death: 13th of Glacial Dusk, Frost, 4560
Info: Mentalist. Raised Degare. Gave him his Mentalism mark.
Threads:
->Mentioned: The Shape of Blood, Starlight

Sophie

Sophie Socorro
Role: Adoptive Mother
Birth: 23rd of Cinderfall, Ash, 4489
Death: 6th of Sun's Zenith, Searing, 4563
Info: Mentalist. Raised Degare. Gave him his Mentalism mark.
Threads:
->Mentioned: The Shape of Blood, Starlight

Averre

Averre Reyes-Socorro
Role: Lover/Husband
Birth: 5th of Rime, Frost, 4522
Death: 23rd Solace, Glade, 4598
Info: Ferrier. Gave Degare his Bane mark. Loved Degare with every fiber of his being.
Threads:
From Ashes I, II, III, Deep Red I, II, III, Roots of Sin: Sow, Flowers of Evil: Reap, River Styx I, River Styx II, *Feminine Evil
->Mentioned: Blood of the Heretic, Journey's End, In Reverie, You Persist, The Shape of Blood, I'm Yours

[Degare]

LAND OF THE LIVING

Figures in Degare's present.

Player Characters

Arkash

Arkash
Influence:

• Gave Degare the Vandikar's mark

• Lover

Notes:
Frost 4621

► Show Spoiler

A reptilian Rathor. Unknown if Neoalt or Beastalt. Comes off as cold and aloof; is a Vandikar and some sort of assassin...goals unknown, but likely on a personal moral crusade.

Given that it's surprising he agreed to this at all, I expected him to give me the Vandikar's mark and leave me to my fate. His efforts to keep me alive were...endearing. I appreciate his honesty in response to my own. He offered to help me learn blood magic as well; a gesture that is appreciated.

The little Rath returned a few days later out of concern for my well being...which was sweet and, unfortunately, warranted. While him being a necromancer is nice, given...who we are...I do have safety concerns relating to my well being. Surgery bloomed into something else entirely-- he created more work for himself. For me? Internal conflict and a few missing fingers. I did figure out he's Neoalt, at least. I question the wisdom of my own interest in him, yet...I find myself enamored.

He can't resist me nor can I resist him. We collide in a frenzied mess of blood coated ferocity, each time putting my life at risk. For what, sex? Fleeting pleasures that will never last? Each time I've broken he's put me back together, but one mistake, one lapse in his control and my life will end. What is wrong with me?

His mastery over Blood Magic is truly enchanting. I let him kill and feed on the corpses of disloyal Valran-- at least his nature as a Dranoch removes the usually messy process of body disposal.

I'm surprised he even heard the off-hand comment Lucia made about my birthday. Even more so that he'd commit it to memory and then go out of his way to make something for me. Not an occasion I've cared to celebrate much over the past two or so decades, it was...touching. I barely know him and he was more excited about it than I was. His passion and enthusiasm are so very sweet. I...don't know how to process this, but the gesture means a lot.

Admittedly, I was a bit worried about whether or not he'd be willing to come with me when I left Amoren...I have grown rather fond of his company. Thankfully, he meant it when he'd said I was stuck with him. Arriving in Boghadar a day after me, he was more than happy to help me figure out the foundations of Blood Magic. Spending time with him...talking to him, casting with him...his company alone makes me happier than I've been in a long time.

I knew that this was too good to be true...I just couldn't help myself. His power is exceptional but he is arrogant– I fear he won't exercise due caution when he returns to his master, and if that's the case it's very possible he'll never return. The hurt in his eyes, the frustration he exhibited when I voiced my concerns made my heart ache. It's not because I don't trust him, it's because I don't trust others of the Entente. So I reassured him...told him I do trust him. He promised he'll be back, reminding me that I'm stuck with him. As much as I believe the intent behind those words...I'm scared.

I asked him to be intimate with me one last time and his response was to say that it wouldn't be the last– taking me as his own again, he...he told me he loved me. I didn't reply...I couldn't. I can't say that...not again.

Taking him back to Amoren and walking him through the portal to the Hallway in Arlain was one of the most emotionally painful experiences I've had in a long time.

Glade 4622

► Show Spoiler

He said it'd only be a week or two but now it's Glade and he's still gone. Lucia confirmed with me that there wasn't anyone– not a slave, not a Valran, not a soul– matching the description of Arkash's human visage working under House Mathis any longer. He's gone...just like I thought. If nothing else this confirms I'm still not over Averre, for one, but that I am also an irresponsible idiot. In addition to the pain I've felt since Arkash left, I've been wracked with guilt that I ever even allowed myself to feel like that towards somebody again. I...I said I wouldn't. One husband in one lifetime is enough...

As the moon reached its highest point in the sky one night in the middle of Solace, he came back. Everything came flooding back...I...can't, can I...?

As it turns out...I can, and...I did...rather, I begged him to take me as he's done before and fell hard and deep back into the love that had been budding before. He's got a special way of drawing emotion out of me that I simply cannot say no to...I crave him, I need him...

He's so...enthusiastic about his love for me, so eager to display and express it. He soothed me when I broke again in the morning, unable to contain the pent up emotion from our time apart. We talked quite a bit that morning; he admitted I had been right about Raphael, not that this was any comfort whatsoever. Additionally, I learned that he's evolved to Cardinal. I'm quite excited to see this form whenever he decides to show me.

As the conversation continued, we spoke of our Murals...he's of Lorien, Nivenhain to be precise. Speaking about matters of class and caste seemed to deeply upset him...I should try to be less oblivious when this subject comes up. Nonetheless, he harbored no anger towards me and even asked me to choose the name of his new alias as a Necrodoctor. I think he liked what I chose, though I did opt to hide the meaning of the name from him. He's excited to spend time with me again and even asked for my Bane mark...maybe falling in love with him isn't something I should be so afraid of.

Out of a combination of impulse and boredom, I pulled Lucia along with me to find a sorry soul to perform my first Sacrifice on while Arkash was out hunting. He came home towards the end of that ritual and scared the both of us by sneaking up behind me and pulling off my head. I thought this was funny once I realized it was him, but Lucia was not at all amused. Of course, Lucia wouldn't want to be around while he consumed the corpse, but Arkash had me leave, too. He didn't want me to see his Cardinal form? Why? He should be aware that my opinion will be...overwhelmingly positive regardless. Is he saving this reveal for a specific moment or something?

Threads: Stains, Rent Skin, House Call, A Helping Hand, Priorities, A Hankering for Hands, Knives out, The Gift of Life II, The Shape of Blood, A Week or Two, In the Dark, Roses are Red, Nobles are Blue, New Gravity, Every Cloud, All Things Revealed, Mudbound, I'm Yours, Look at You, Solace's Dénouement, On Our Fates Alight, Dawn of Forever, We're Bound Together, Home Sweet Home, *The World Tonight
->Mentioned: Cold Rain, Misty Mornings and Dark Hearts, Everything, Every Thing, Every Thing, Everything, Everything I'm Not I, Everything I'm Not II, Bled Deep, Every Rose has its Thorn

Lore

Lore Bihotz Corvané
Notes: If I were related to my parents by blood, she would be my niece. Strong willed, driven, fierce...she weathers the waves of the Candor well. She and I share interests in both the artistic and macabre.

Threads: *Blade Waltz
->Mentioned:

Taelian

Taelian Latham-Stephan von Klade
Notes: Noble from Lorien...was cold at first, but then became rather forward with his interests in me. I still don't quite understand what he wants from me, though.

Powerful mage, Draedan, Sil'norai, has connections with Lady Ald and the Covenant-- definitely somebody I'd like to keep as an ally, at the very least. We've agreed to work alongside one another to further both of our goals. His fascination with me is rather odd, but at this point it's flattering.

Threads: Starlight, The Invitation, *Alliance
->Mentioned:

Thomas

Thomas Starkwayte
Notes: Pretty sure his fortune teller alias- Altair the Clairvoyant- is fake...actually, definitely sure. I didn't care when I met him...was not looking for a personal connection.

Threads: Ice Cold Reading, Taking Risks
->Mentioned:

Vivian

Vivian Kreine
Notes: I want his Mark. That is all.

In the spur of the moment, I was convinced to indulge myself– and him– and...while it felt good, that might've been a mistake? I really should...keep my distance. I'll teach him as I promised, still...

Threads: Raccoon in the Kitchen, A Lesson in Patience, Groundwork, *Empathy and Malformity
->Mentioned: Mudbound

Salen

Salen Auclair
Notes: Definitely gave me a fake name. Doesn't act like a proper Entente...what does he want with me?

Threads: Skeletons I, *Skeletons II, Someone's in Wonderland, *Every Rose has its Thorn
->Mentioned: On Our Fates Alight

Vesper

Vespasien Catineau
Notes: Rathor Corvo...initiated me. He's...interesting.

Threads: *Conspirators Anonymous
->Mentioned:

NPC Characters

Lucia

[Scroll down for her write-up!]
Arguably, she is the only reason Degare isn't dead.

Notes:
Threads: Knives Out, The Shape of Blood, Cold Rain, Misty Mornings and Dark Hearts, Nightglow, Everything, Every Thing, Every Thing, Everything, Everything I'm Not I, Everything I'm Not II, Raccoon in the Kitchen, Bled Deep, All Things Revealed, On Our Fates Alight, Apoplexy
->Mentioned: A Hankering for Hands, Solace's Dénouement

Cirroc

[Scroll down for his write-up!]
Looking through shattered dreams and cracked memories, what will go here?

Notes:
Threads: Diplomatic Unity I, Diplomatic Unity II
->Mentioned: Solace's Dénouement

Lierel

[She can be found here under 'Montese']
Looking through shattered dreams and cracked memories, what will go here?

Notes:
Threads:
->Mentioned: Diplomatic Unity I

Off Topic

The "notes" portion are opinions held IC by Degare.
*[Thread Title] denotes in progress or unfinished threads.

[Degare]

NPC BIN

Bin for Approved NPCs.

Lucia

N P C: Lucia Dal’Seileach

Details
Age: 67
Race: Sil'Norai
Height: 6'2''
Weight: 175

Occupation: Valran to Veir Degare Socorro
Title: Valran
NPC Type: Personal/Companion
Influence: 6

Skills
Magic: Malformity (Journeyman: 50), Brand (Apprentice: 25), Bane (Novice: 0)

Skills: Persuasion (Expert: 75), Seduction (Expert: 75), Deception (Apprentice: 25)


Description:
-> Charming, intelligent, methodical, flirtatious, curious, sadistic, cruel, loyal, passionate

Personality: A coquettish social butterfly, she works as a wolf in sheep’s clothing for her Veir. Coming off to most as demure, sweet and utterly charming, she’s able to put most people at ease, convincing them to trust her even sometimes after the first conversation. In reality, she is a cold, vicious hunter of a woman. She likes making people trust her, love her, even– and then breaking them. These habits serve her well under Degare’s employ as she functions as an extra set of eyes and ears, loyal exclusively to him.

History:

► Show Spoiler

Living on the poorer outskirts of Veranor, her life was never easy but her family did what they could. For Sil’Norai, love, marriage and family had special value on the emotional ties between members. Love was meant to last, and especially in the modern day, fertility was overall low. Any child at all was a blessing, so Lucia was cherished by her parents and in turn, she cherished them.

One cool summer evening, her mother sent her out to the market to pick up a few things while her parents stayed home to prepare a meal and do other chores at the house. It didn’t take her all too long, maybe an hour or so because the little lass was somewhat slow to move. However, this time frame allowed her to only narrowly escape the fate of her parents and a fair few of her neighbors.

When she arrived back to the street on which she lived, everything was oddly quiet. Doors were closed, nobody was outside– which was odd. Usually, there would be signs of life to at least some degree, even as the sun was setting…but that wasn’t the strangest part. Blood splatter, bloody footprints, handprints and marks in general lay scattered in the street, the door handles, the walls. Her heart sank.

Slowly, she crept towards the door of her home in the eerie silence of the evening. Opening it, what she saw ruined her. Two corpses on the floor, blood splattered everywhere. They were barely recognizable as the parents that raised her given the fact that near to all of the flesh and viscera had been removed and either consumed or strewn on the floor soaking in puddles of slowly coagulating blood.

Her whole life as she knew it was over. In shock, she collapses to the floor near the bodies and remains there in a catatonic state for days. After not hearing from her parents at all during that time, a concerned aunt who’d been planning a way for both families to leave Sil-Elaine stopped by the house and came upon the rotting scene and traumatized girl. Collecting her niece, the woman takes her leave and puts a lot more effort into expediting their departure.

Her aunt and her aunt’s lover planned on joining with a caravan leaving Sil-Elaine to Daravin. The two of them were talented glassblowers and passed off the young Lucia as their daughter. Thoroughly traumatized, she barely spoke a word for quite a long time to the mix of refugees and merchants that accompanied her on this journey.

They took a great risk trying to escape through the west– the area was known to be crawling with Dranoch of all types but it was either that or die to magithermal entropy in the north. Alternatively, they could stay in Sil-Elaine, but then they’d probably die to Dranoch anyways, so was there really even a good choice out of all three? Their answer, as expected, is no. The small group of travelers made it just over halfway through their chosen route when their luck ran out. Much as they did their best to be careful, there is only so much one can do to hide from the senses and erratic movements of traveling Dranoch. For the second time in Lucia’s short life, everyone she loved was slain, only this time she had to see it happen.

Once they realized they’d been spotted, the young girl’s aunt and uncle told her they needed to run through the bog and fast, using the mud of the bog to cover their scent. Legs can only take you so fast, though, and a stray botchling spotted this small fragment of the main group. In a final act of love, her last remaining family took the hit and died keeping the thing busy while Lucia dove into the waters of the bog, covering herself in the mud before crawling out.

Blackened, muddy and about as feral as the beasts she was running from by now, the girl kept running in the direction she had been told they were going. Somehow, she managed to cross the border of Daravin and run into an actual trade caravan, this one native to the nation she’d not even realized she’d managed to enter. In some tiny modicum of fortune, the caravan lead was a Sil’Norai himself and took pity on her. Much as he knew her fate in Daravin wouldn’t be kind, it would at least be a future. Leaving her like this would be damning her to the grave.

Eventually, the slow moving merchant caravan made its way to the Daravinic city of Boghadar, in Verant. The man spearheading it had family in this city and so it was here that they would stop. With nowhere to go, no money, and no Marks of Power, little Lucia and was forced to accept her new role as a slave to the family that held the reigns over the caravin lead and his kin.

This new life was excruciating for her especially since she’d arrived not knowing a single word of Raillen or Common; eventually, she was taught to speak, read and write Raillen by the other slaves and a kinder Valran. As time passed, she began to loathe the lack of control she had in her life. Every decision was made for her by those above her and she was treated and used by them however they saw fit.

Days upon months upon years began to pass and Lucia, now in her twenties, gained a fair bit of social confidence that she now planned to use to claw herself out of the pit that was her life. One of the Veir in the house she resided within had a Malformity mark, a weak mind, and a lonely heart; thus, she made him her target. Using a combination of her physical allure and sweet charm, she was able to cozy up to him and eventually convinced him to give her the mark of Malformity. Her plan finally bearing fruit, she continued to use him for a while for the purposes of refining her skills with the Mark. As more time passed and more honeyed words and promises of eternal love and affection were shared between the two, the man offered her his second mark– that of Brand. Happily, she accepted and succeeded in that initiation as well.

Now bearing two marks of her own and with some modicum of skill in her Malformity, she found herself rising in title to that of Valran. However…she wanted nothing to do with the man whose marks she’d stolen, nor did she want anything to do with his house or family. After all, they possessed little power and, frankly, bored her. It was during this period of time that she began whispering saccharine words and weaving webs of lies in an attempt to be brought on to a different, and hopefully more interesting, house.

Entering her thirties, she succeeded. She pitched her skills and talents for subterfuge, information gathering and spycraft to Lords Degare and Averre of House Socorro and they decided to accept her request. There was little her old house could do in reaction to this given their more limited influence.

As years passed under the employ of her new House, she found herself actually admiring and forming pretty much the only genuine bond with another person since she’d left Sil-Elaine with her new Veir, Degare. When his husband passed, the Lord leaned heavily upon her for emotional support and the two forged a bond more tightly entwined than the strongest of elements.

Cirroc

N P C: Cirroc Raphaël Lorraine

Details
Age: 107
Race: Sil'Norai
Height: 6'4''
Weight: 185

Occupation: Advisor to Montese Lieril Lorraine
Title: Veir
NPC Type: Personal
Influence: 3

Skills
Magic: Necromancy (Expert), Squall (Expert), Malformity (Journeyman), Resonance (Journeyman)

Skills: Biology (Master), Research (Expert), Etiquette (Expert)


Description:
-> Pretentious, intelligent, methodical, sophisticated, formal, condescending, cruel, cold, passionate

Personality: Will come across as lawful as well as possessing a superiority complex. Born and bred to be a powerful mage, has surpassed expectations, has an ego to match. Has a chaotic streak; these desires embarrass him greatly and he mostly suppresses it. Thinks the blatant hypocrisy of the barely hidden displays of hedonism shown by other Entente to be beastial and considers himself ‘above’ it so to speak. Tends to express disgust at things that could be considered overly ‘messy.’

History:

► Show Spoiler

A brother of Lady Lierel was helped across Daravin's borders by the heroine, hoping to join her in paving his way to a new life. After he settled in, he also wove his way into Daravinic noblehood, landing himself a title of Veir serving under Montese Lierel in Ciseperant. The Montese favored him, so despite his title, he had more apparent power than a standard member of the Veiran class. Relatively satisfied with this, he opted to follow his heart and start a family. Though his marriage was initially political, his relationship with wife was amicable. The both of them sought to raise powerful children to carry on the legacy of the name Lorraine.

It was from these two that Cirroc was born. He and his siblings were initiated young into multiple schools of magic, his first being squall and the latter few being tacked on throughout his childhood, having collected all three marks alongside skill in Necromancy before the age of thirty. Though he was not their first born, he was the oldest living child that made it to adulthood. Such a childhood, however, was rough. It was full of high expectations that only rose with each ever higher hoop he was forced to jump through. The man was not shown much emotional succor as a child and consequently has a cold demeanor and little sympathy for others. Some consider him to be judgemental and cruel, though others hold him in high regard for his endless passion, devotion and hard work dedicated to his magic, particularly notorious for necromancy.

As he aged, his ego only grew. He cultivated an avian, almost angelic aesthetic through his continued development of both Squall and Malformity. Though beautiful, it was obvious the two primary influences for this were his fascination with birds alongside the fact that he likened himself to a truly heavenly being. His magical excellence and overall drive was noted by his aunt, Montese Lierel herself. She gave him more power and freedom than others of his class, but ultimately, her goal was to use him to spread the influence of their house by marrying him off– a fact which he was blissfully unaware of.

[Degare]

Infirmary

Log for notable injuries.