.:Worlds Collide Mini Bios:.

[Isoitsu]

Creature Census

Ideally, creature types/roles will be evenly distributed

Top-Tier Creatures (Limit of 3) Denoted by *

Mythic Color Guide:
Light/Good, Neutral, Dark/Evil

---

Humans 

Johann - Grade School Student
Arthur - Shopkeeper
Mathias - Shop Assistant

Hunters 

Ludwig
Gilbert

Mythics 

Antonio - Werewolf
Mihai - Iele
Kiku - Nekomata
Feliciano - Incubus 

Lukas - Draugr
Roderich - Perchten (Krampus)
 * Hamish - Grim Reaper *
Francis - Vampire
Matthew - Vampire
Hans Schmidt - Werewolf
Lucia - Witch
Elizabeta - Vadleany

[Feliciano Vargas]

Name: Feliciano Niccolò Vargas
Creature: Incubus; Sex "Demon" (dislikes being called a demon because of the humans' dumb religious connotations to the word)
Alignment: Dark [Chaotic Evil Type One]
Reputation: 9
Actual Age/Looks:
Incubus: 1094
    Host: 21
Appearance:
    Incubus:

SPOILER: Click to show

In its true form, this particular incubus shows great likeness to popular renditions of the "devil". Cloven hooves, horn, tail; three of the most iconic features of Satan. It stands well over two and a half meters tall, not including the large, curved horn protruding from a pale forehead. Its legs end in cloven hooves and goat legs, similar to that of the equally sexual fauns and satyrs. The fur on those legs is a dark black which fringes into gray where light shines through the individual strands of hair. They help account for his momentous size. Beyond that dark, dark hair, its skin is very pale. In fact, the paleness of its skin rivals translucence, making the veins beneath stand out a dark, murky grey. What flows in those veins is unknown to even the most knowledgeable of hunters--incubus "blood" wasn't seen as particularly powerful or useful to ancient users of magic, therefore any records pertaining to the uses, properties, and potential dangers of such a fluid are long-since lost. The incubus itself doesn't care to inform anyone of its uses, either. (Some religious figures speculate that incubi do not bleed at all, instead only excrete a condensation of evil and sin)

The incubi's figure is broad and muscular, revealing a great physical strength that could easily be used to hold down its victims during its violent forays. Broad shoulders, large muscles, long fingers tapered off in sharp, black claws, and a spine-lined tail ending at a hooked point; there is ample evidence proving this creature is very, very dangerous.

Black hair, fading into gray at the tips, grows from the creature's head to match the fur on its legs, but the strands are thin, rather than thick and coarse like the hair exiting long, pointed ears. The incubus wears its hair long, including a plain goatee, while strangely enough it decorates its ear-hair rather than its beard or head-hair. Below dark lips is a beauty mark on the right hand side, standing out starkly from that translucent skin.

However, one of the most intriguing features of this creature is its eyes--while it is an incredibly inhuman-looking humanoid, the startling shades of orange and red in an otherwise monotone color scheme is very attention-grabbing. This would make it incredibly difficult for the creature to hide in the dark, should even a sliver of light shine upon those bright tracks of color. In the old days, when the incubus was young and fraternizing with women in "witches covens", it would joke its eyes are nothing more than the fires of hell burning within him.

If a being is lucky enough to see the incubus in its true form, they would notice the multitude of dark scars criss-crossing over the span of its back. Their origin is really not as insidious and painful as it appears--they're simply the scars of nails biting into his back from a little sex gone intense.

    Host:

SPOILER: Click to show

Feliciano is a small man by most standards. Not only is he short in stature and lacking in built muscles and noticeable fat, but his body shape isn’t particularly super-macho. His shoulders are narrower than most men in his age group, his waist and hips even more so, and his limbs are long and lean. His skin is lightly tanned, and his penchant for nakedness only proves that the warm tone is completely natural. However, wrapped underneath well-fitting clothes and copper skin are wired muscles, ones that know how to lock into place and are almost to pry off once they latch onto you (so don't start thinking he's a pushover just because he looks like one). The young Italian sports a lovely mesomorphic shape, but its soft contours subtract from his perceived masculinity. Some people may even label Feliciano as ‘petite’, but that’s simply due to the lack of a better term for his slim figure. A bit of mass may help him appear larger, and thus easier to take seriously, but this brunette’s metabolism is unusually active. It keeps his body trimmed of any excess fat and hinders his ability to build up muscle. When given the chance to move freely, Feliciano is always everywhere at once and can seem to go on for hours without pausing for a rest.

His mahogany colored hair is cut in a soft bob, dangling feathery bangs over his eyes and ears while the locks of hair along his neck are not quite long enough to curl below his collar. The lay of those soft strands is so careless that it borderlines meticulous care--the Italian spends more time than he'd dare admit. His jawline has a soft curve which matches well with slightly raised cheekbones (oftentimes accented with faint foundation to better highlight his good looks). The doe-like curve of rich amber eyes, normally closed to the world, hint at innocence belied by the mischievous glint often twinkling in their depths. His face is smooth of obvious wrinkles due to his young age, something he is happy for despite his young age. He does more than smile simply for the sake of smiling; the expression is very fitting on the cherubic face. It’s hard for many to think that the expression hides a multitude of emotions bubbling just beneath the surface.

Despite these images of delicacy and a softer physique than many other men his age, Feliciano is by no mean a pushover. Feliciano’s sleek build is much more adept in the arts of running, dodging, and flexibility as opposed to direct confrontation or heavy-lifting. He is borderline a contortionist, able to heft his own body weight with ease and balance in the strangest positions. This makes it easy for him to slip into small crevices and through large crowds with ease (if his natural clumsiness doesn’t get in the way first). However, Feliciano's hands and feet are bare of any noticeable calluses, even ones that show the man is fond of walking. Whether he's vain enough to hide them, or lazy enough to not walk as much as he should is unknown. However, any mention, no matter how vague, about the softness of his skin will earn a self-satisfied smile from the man.

There are some distinguishing characteristics about Feliciano that many come to identify with him as an entity. Feliciano’s default expression is a smile, one that most take as a sign of constant good cheer. Just above his left ear is a strange, wayward curl that Feliciano fails or refuses to tame, the only honest curl in otherwise fluffy brown strands of hair.

Personality Changes/Quirks:

SPOILER: Click to show

There are many facets to Feliciano Vargas. Many different quirks, reactions, emotions, and façades that make up this conflicting, confusing Italian.

If you knew him from childhood, it'd be difficult at first glance to tell just how much the boy has changed. He seems fairly straight-forward, just like a kid. Bouncing on his toes, a sweet smile on his face, and a stream of words flowing from his lips like a never-ending stream; he's just as bright and talkative as always. Sure, he'll spend a lot more time flirting with you than when he was little, but that's just something that comes with age. The way his eyes crinkle in the corners is the same an innocent expression of keeping the world (and its hidden darkness) hidden away. Let's not forget his penchant for hugs and incessant babble. All he has to say are flattering things, but he's also childish enough to whine when things don't go his way, when he wants a nap, or when he's hungry. The brunette's understanding of the "atmosphere" is just as lacking as always--being his usual self when anyone else would know to keep their mouth shut, for example. A bit childish, but it's really not something Feliciano'll grow out of, right?

That's exactly what they want you to think.

Sure, the Italian is always smiling, he loves hugs, and he loves to compliment people. But to think that it's just an innocent reminder of his old days would be a great farce. Every sweet smile, every kind word, even the near imbecilic way he'll interrupt a tense situation with an inane comment about being hungry; it's all planned to disarm those around him. If he manages to be insulting, well, he'll just brush that off. Feliciano isn't the kind of person to worry about those types of "social obligations" anyway. What should he care about others' feelings, anyway? So long as he doesn't cause so much trouble there's a threat, the brunette doesn't see the problem in doing what he wants, when he wants to. Happiness in life is all that matters; if you don't do what you please and make a point to enjoy yourself, what is the point in living at all?

This is his motto in life: Your life is about you, so do what you want and get rid of anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.

Because of the fact that the Italian is technically two entities in one, his temperament is exceedingly unpredictable; temperamental, if you will. Just as he can be smiling one moment, the next he might be devious, mischievous as he picks and prods at a sensitive topic. Content one moment, simply lazing about and enjoying a taste of relaxation in a lazy life, the next sneaking into his neighbor's condo in order to remove the irritating, yappy dog that had gotten on his nerves one too many times. (If only it were a little fatter, it might be worth more than a quick push onto the balcony to have a tragic accident)

As you can probably tell, then, Feliciano is much more than his supposedly sweet, upbeat persona. Much more. In fact, one may consider the kind words, gentle touches, a bit too sweet to be genuine. In a way, that's one hundred percent correct. Despite the Italian's motto to do as he pleases, that doesn't mean he won't act and play with others to get what he wants. If that means acting like an incompetent idiot, so be it. If that means being cloyingly sweet and flattering, so be it. If it means being someone he's not, so be it. In a way, by playing others this way, it's acting exactly how he wants to act because the results are always so entertaining. Getting on peoples' good sides is a key way to weasel favor from them, after all.

It's not that he's simply unkind, though--Feliciano simply doesn't see the problem in treating people the way he does. It's his life, and his own choices, so why wouldn't he use people to get what his wants? He won't get anything out of just trying to be a good Samaritan, after all. Still though, even if he's playing up his actions and words, he hardly ever flat-out lies to a person. When you start one lie, they turn into webs and you'll only get yourself caught, in the end. The brunette's life is a careful dance between truth and half-truth, a dangerous game that he can't help but get a high off of. As much as he likes to play things safe, to keep himself out of immediate danger, he also greatly enjoys testing the boundaries set before him, see how far he can go before hazards appear that send him on his way.

Earthly pleasures are what matter most to Feliciano. Food, gambling, painting, sex--if he can touch it, more than likely, he wants it for himself. Even before his possession, the Italian was incredibly self-serving and selfish compared to most his age. It's a trait kept from his early childhood, when every kid's world revolved around themselves and nothing else. His desires are just more grown up than they used to be.

And just like a child, everything the Italian does is for himself. Now that an incubus has settled in his body (and taken over it entirely), he only looks out for himself. No one else will look out for him, after all. Any help to others is a double-bladed sword; any debts owed to him will be paid. Don't come to him if you're in a life-threatening situation, either--more often than not, you'll be turned away. Why put himself in danger at the risk of others? He hasn't lived this long by offering every groveling human his assistance. He's shameless enough to be frank about it, too. This Italian is not dependable. Remember that, if nothing else (though you shouldn't forget that sharing a bed with him is at your own risk).

While he can be as sweet and innocent as a child, he also has a temper to match, and let us hope you never call upon yourself his ire. It takes a lot to convince the Italian to truly leave his comfort zone; the two most notable things being a potentially delicious lay, and his lost temper. For when Feliciano is angry, he remembers. You slight him, even just a little, and he'll pay you back for it twenty fold. It doesn't matter how long he has to wait--as angry as he can be, Feliciano is equally patient and cruel. His pride is not one to poke at--it may not seem like he has any, the length he'll go to coerce someone into his bed, or to save his own skin, but that doesn't mean it's not there, and very easy to damage.

He's not inherently cruel, as stated before, though. He doesn't just go out of his way to hurt people. You can't get very many people into your bed by insulting them, after all. The Italian doesn't worry so much about social constructs, but that doesn't mean being rude and bitter is his way of life. The world is such a great, open place, full of potential entertainment. How can that fact be ignored? Because of that mindset, even with Feliciano's potentially cruel nature, he's usually considered by both others and himself to be an optimistic person. Narcissitic, self-serving, and deviant, sure, but that doesn't make him any less optimistic about life.

However, arguably the most important thing to Feliciano is his freedom. The ability to choose what he wants to do in life. That, ultimately is how he lives his life. He doesn't truly fake anything in his life--he may bounce around the honest truth, over-exaggerate, lie by omission, blackmail, cheat, kiss ass, flirt, sleep with someone for profit, gorge himself until he's sick only to do it again; anything Feliciano does, it's simply because he can. And if that isn't the "definition" of honesty to oneself, he doesn't know what is.

Any limitations placed around him, the boy had better set himself. Trying to tie this person down is a bad idea--very, very bad. There's nothing so claustraphobically constricting as being forced to conform to others' expectations; to have to do anything he doesn't want to. The Italian will do whatever it takes to ensure his own freedom. If that means wheedling, bribing, or working with light creatures, bedding a hunter, taking down another dark creature--it doesn't matter. 

In the end, all that matters to the Italian is himself. That's really all there is to it.

Abilities:
    ☨ Leech Life: As any beginning hunter would learn, incubi and succubi live indefinitely by sucking the life energy out of a being during coitus, most specifically at the time of an orgasm (why else would the clever French say "la petite mort"?). Young incubi and succubi cannot immediately control how much energy they steal from their partner; generally speaking a human is left very, very weak, or dead after the deed is done. As they grow older, however, they learn to siphon away a little at a time, a necessary control as the borders between human and supernatural decrease exponentially. Regardless of how little energy an incubus takes, continued sexual exploits with this "demonic" creature will eventually lead to poor health and death.
    ☨ Arousal: One way that makes it easier for an incubus to attract potential mates and meals is its excretion of sex pheromones. This is more difficult a task to perform when one is in a human host, since you have to create energy to spawn the pheromones in a different form, but an incubus still can. So long as the creature has enough energy to create and then regulate the pheromone production, it makes it much easier to attract otherwise disinterested targets.
    ☨ Levitate: In order to quickly appear and disappear from the homes of those it has invaded, incubi and succubi are able to diminish gravity's pull upon them. How capable the creatures are at repelling gravity depends on the size of its energy stores and the amount of practice it has put in. Some of the oldest incubi and succubi are rumored throughout demon communities to fly--whether this is true or not is unknown. Most are capable of simply hovering anywhere from few centimeters to a few meters off the ground, to cushion falls or to make escape easier by avoiding any unforeseen obstacles.
    ☨ Facade: Incubi and succubi are capable of creating a false image of themselves in the eyes of others. It is similar to shape-shifting, but rather than the product being a full-out physical change, the facade is more of a mental projection, changing the creature's appearance to one that would appeal most to the viewer. The dangers of using this skill is, the incubus will look different from person to person, making blending in both infinitely easy and extremely difficult, depending upon circumstances. It can also be very taxing on an incubus with low stamina, in which case could lead to a premature exposure of the creature's true nature.
Another way to utilize the facade capability is to hide their presence entirely--invisibility, in layman's terms. But rather than them being completely invisible, an incubus/succubus projects into the viewer's mind the concept that they are seeing nothing--the eye may see everything, but it is the brain that interprets what is seen. This is just as stressful on energy reserves as creating a fake appearance--in fact, when a person is trying to find someone, it is all the more difficult because it takes more energy to convince the brain to look away.

(Strong-minded individuals may be able to break through a "demon's" facade, hence the risk in using this power in crowds)

    ☨ Possession: The alternative to the facade ability is possession of a human as a host form. This is a favorite for many incubi and succubi, for they are not only capable of leeching energy from the host but also from any human the host body has sexual relations with, prolonging their life even further. If the incubus/succubus in question has low energy reserves, and/or the host mind has a very strong will, maintaining control over the human in question can be very difficult. Possession is not limited to humans; any being is susceptible. However difficult it might be for some human hosts, it is infinitely easier to possess a human versus, say, an elf or witch, and less draining on a "demon's" energy levels.

(It is not considered 'socially acceptable' to spend too much time in the same host body, however. There are two reasons for this. One, despite having a near-constant source of energy, it is almost impossible for an incubus/succubus to perform magic. Two, the longer an incubus and a human are bound together, it is suspected the more "human" an incubus becomes; the weaker an incubus becomes. Despite this social faux-pas, there are some who have kept the same human body for decades, if not centuries, past the mortal flesh's life expectancy --those who are considered loners by their 'society's' standards)

Weaknesses:
    ✠ A Pretty Face: Feliciano has always been enamored with aesthetics, and after becoming possessed by a sex-demon, that has only been exacerbated. Though he's by no means a complete sucker, Feliciano does tend to let a bit of his guard down around a good-looking person.
    ✠ Tests of Strength: Feliciano, despite having a strong source of supernatural energy to bolster himself, is by no means made to run around doing any lifting, be it for himself or others. (His personality won't lend him much desire to lift a finger for most people anyway, so he doesn't really care) His body is built for stamina and speed, not ridiculously bulky muscles. It's not a particularly sore spot for him--he can always convince someone else to do the "big strong stuff" for him anyway, right?--but that doesn't mean it's not frustrating if he needs to do something and he can't. (Not enough to make him dare exercise for any other reason to check the hotties out, mind you)
    ✠ Emotional Connections: The one flaw in the incubus's "playing human" scheme is its general disinterest in anything resembling actual human interaction. There are several things he enjoys, sure, but they're physical things--sex, decadence, food, touches, smells--they're all sensations. Feliciano usually has to supply the emotions necessary to pass off as normal, but being possessed as long as he had has warped the Italian enough that he generally doesn't like to create actual bonds with people. It's stifling, tying oneself down, and it's a potentially huge giveaway to the symbiotic relationship he's forged with an otherwise deadly, supernatural creature. Knowledge of this fact could very well get him killed.
    ✠ Tempermental: Despite his lack of consideration for others' feelings and even weaker desire to emotionally interact with them, Feliciano is by no means an emotionless being. When things don't go his way, he can get very nasty, very quickly. When he's hurt, he's very whiny. When he's happy, it's almost obnoxious.
    ✠ Coward: If there's one thing that these two care about more than freedom, it's staying alive. You'd think that'd be normal, since most beings, human or supernatural, don't want to die, but the Italian and his incubus both take self-preservation well past the point of cowardice. He had his pride, sure, and if he's lost his temper, Feliciano certainly tosses caution to the wind, but in most situations where danger is involved, he'll save his own skin. If that means leaving anyone else behind, he'll do more than just bolt--he'll toss anyone he can in the line of fire in order to protect himself. So don't turn to him if you're in need--chances are you'll be left to fend for yourself.
    ✠ Considering the fact Feliciano adores being touched and all things to do with sex, it might be hard to consider this an actual "weakness"...That odd little curl is a very effective way to have the boy melting at your feet.
Backstory:

SPOILER: Click to show

There are many, many reasons why Feliciano keeps his past very close to the chest. Of course, the main reason is that he's hosting a supernatural being within himself, which would make him an easy target for any Hunters that may cross his path. He may not consider his little forays particularly dangerous, but should he make the choice, he could kill plenty of people. That's more than enough reason for people to try hunting him down, either to attempt exorcising the "demon" from him, or to just kill him and it both. Neither option is particularly appealing to the Italian or his guest, hence his history is just that--history. Nothing worth paying attention to.

He doesn't spend much time thinking of the parents he'd left behind; the kind people whose lives he'd supposedly "blessed" when he was born on an eventful March seventeenth, amidst a strong sun-shower that ended within the few first hours of his life. The couple had tried for many years to have a child, so having the infant was a dream come true--hence why he was given the name "Feliciano" in the first place.

Because of their strong desire to have a child, a true family, Feliciano was spoiled absolutely rotten. Showered with constant praises, given anything he desired, he was the pride and joy of the Vargas family. It didn't help that they were well off, as well--making his life that much easier as he swam his days away in Venice (along the Lido, of course--he wouldn't dare dip into the canals unless he's fallen in by accident) and vacationed in the vineyards of Tuscany, in the family villa. While he knew he was spoiled and happily basked in his parents' adoration, he was graced with a good enough temperament to adhere many children his age to him. Shallow friendships, maybe, but he was never one to lack a playmate when he wanted one. One of his particular favorites was a little blonde boy from Germany--he didn't see this particular friend very often, since they spent most of their time in their respective countries, but that didn't mean they couldn't see each other. Their parents were word friends, after all. If he travelled anywhere outside of his beloved Italy, it was always a trip accompanied with this shy child.

Really, the only downsides to Feliciano's otherwise easy lifestyle were his lack of interest in school, his fights with some of the other children, and the subsequent punishments for those grievances. Most would consider the punishments, generally just a lack of dessert after dinner, or perhaps no time outside for a day or so, pretty weak, but to a child used to getting what he wanted, they were torture. Especially once his parents realized that the young Italian was a bit more disobedient than they'd like, and that perhaps they needed to be a bit "stricter". The punishments, while not necessarily increasing in severity, did increase in quantity the older he became.

Because of that, Feliciano had a penchant for vanishing for hours on end, without any warning--his life was a dream compared to many other children in the world, but to the boy, it was suffocation. After years of getting everything he wanted, no consequences, this kind of regulation turned his life into a "nightmare". Chores were implemented, later ignored, homework was burned or shredded, calls for his parents' appearance at school were dismissed before said adults could appear--every punishment for his actions only furthered the brunette's ire with those around him, trying to cage him in. All he wanted was to do whatever he pleased; was that too much to ask?

This may be what drew the incubus to him in the first place.

In attempts to control the increasingly erratic teenager, Feliciano's parents turned to their friends and family for advice. Most of the advice they were given were things the Italians had already attempted, or were too "extreme" for them to ever put their precious baby through (the idea of striking their only child nearly caused Mrs. Vargas to pass out). However, they were told that, so long as they kept trying, kept being strict, eventually the boy would come around. No one could be so stubborn, so rebellious and uncaring when the consequences of his actions were set before his face. So, with heavy hearts, the two sat their son down and tried to explain exactly what kind of life the boy was leading himself to, living life this way, and how they were going to plan to get him on the right track; how to reign him in.

Feliciano was in Austria by morning.

He simply couldn't take being told he wasn't living life "properly". That his choices were wrong. How dare he live life any way other than how he places? How dare they police him?! He wasn't doing anything wrong! Sure, he wasn't doing their silly assignments, or following stupid rules, but so what? Feliciano lived life how he wanted to, and there wasn't anyone who could tell him otherwise.

So he made his way out of the country as soon as possible. He knew his parents would try desperately to drag him back into their hold. It was tough going, once he ran out of the money he'd "borrowed" from the small safe at home (and everything in his mother's purse), but he made it. Feliciano knew exactly where he was going, anyway.

He just hadn't expected to run into the German before he even reached the other's house.

First of all, never let it be said that riding trains everywhere is comfortable, or the way to travel. Unless you have the money for the best cars and seats, anyway. Usually they're cramped, hot, and filled with annoying people who either play their music too loud or try to make small-chat specifically about the stuff you don't wanna talk about. Usually Feliciano loved to talk with people, don't get him wrong. Two days without sleep, body one giant cramp from being unable to properly lay down, and people just asking all the wrong questions can really hurt a guy's patience. It didn't help that he couldn't just take a direct route to Berlin like he'd planned--the money he'd stolen hadn't been enough for a ticket plus taxi and food fare to cover such an expense. Believe me, as sucky as it is, Feliciano would take eating over anything else, because nothing quite beats the comfort of a full belly.

It was freezing by the time he'd got to Fulda, the sun having set and the temperature dropping fast. Compared to the stuffiness of the train car he'd been trapped in for hours on end, it was a shock, to say the least. Wearing a thin shirt and shorts, now incredibly rumpled and almost dingy, didn't help much. Holing up in the smoking section helped a little bit--the glass bubble retained heat better than the sitting areas closer to the platforms--but it was still a miserable two-hour wait. However, seeing a familiar face walking past him in an unfamiliar crowd was a surprise he hadn't expected.

The blonde hadn't expected to be hugged out of nowhere, either, it seems. He must've looked even worse than he felt, if the teenager's mini panic attack was any indication. Then again, maybe he freaked out because a dirty brunette he hadn't spoken to in months suddenly jumped out and latched onto him in the middle of a train station.. Who knows? Feliciano didn't really care--he'd just wanted a safe place to stay, and he'd found the source of that stay pretty far from home. (What the boy planned to do after reaching his friend's home, that's anyone's guess. He just wanted to wander--live off his own means and prove once and for all that he can live life just as he wants and it's not some "failure". He was not a failure, and his choices are what matter most in his life, thank you very much.)

Feliciano was lucky word hadn't traveled this far about his disappearance. It was sure if Ludwig had known for certain the brunette had bailed ship and planned on--well, nothing--who knows if he would've been quite so understanding. After a barrage of questions, most of which Feliciano tried to avoid or lied outright, the other seemed to come to terms with having an extra on his little...camping trip. The sound of camping out in the cold woods, in the middle of nowhere, wasn't really appealing, but it was certainly better than continuing on and trying to explain his situation to the blonde's parents. Eurgh.

If he'd known was going to happen, maybe he would've rather risked concerned adults than camping in such a scary place.

It wasn't the first time that Feliciano's ever been camping, but certainly the first time where there wasn't a lodge or villa to run back to if the bugs were too bad or it was too chilly to sleep. (The Germans had all stared at him when he'd admitted that--apparently that wasn't "real camping") So, having to share a one-person tent with a stranger, huddled in a thin sleeping bag and sleeping on top of sharp rocks, was a complete downer. (His friend tried to explain, rudely at that, that this is the kind of sleeping Feliciano would have to get used to if he kept up this "crazy idea" of his. Rude.) How could people want to do this for fun?

The worst part of the experience, at least the first few days, anyway, were the bugs. Dear God, there were so many mosquitoes. Feliciano was always one to get bitten up when he was outside, he always joked he was made of sugar, but this was ridiculous. By the end of the first week, he was covered in little bites. Covered. Every inch of lightly tanned skin seemed covered with swelled little lumps. None of them itched, but they hurt. He wasn't the only one of his fellow campers suffering--most of them all had at least a few bites and swollen spots. However, he was easily the most vocal about his discomfort--why don't they just rent a cottage, or something? Feliciano knew his friend's parents easily had the money, wouldn't it be more enjoyable than dealing with this?

He really couldn't be the only one who felt that way. One of the girls in the next tent wouldn't stop crying every night. Maybe she was afraid of the dark? Feliciano could understand that--the sky seemed so much darker here than back home (He had his own flashlight on beneath his sleeping bag to keep the worst of it at bay. It's not like he could've brought his night-light with him) and the woods surrounding them oozed creepiness. Or maybe her bruises, cuts, and bug bites hurt too much for her to sleep. At first, he didn't know what was bothering her, just that it was bothering her enough that he continued to voice his desire they go somewhere else. No one listened to Feliciano, of course.

Things got even more uncomfortable, though. The pretty girl crawled out of her sleeping bag one morning looking worse than usual, dark circles under swollen eyes and blood staining the front of her sleep-shirt. His friend, who'd crawled out of the tent alongside the girl's dark-haired roommate, was even paler than usual, but he wouldn't explain. (Though the weak teasing about sharing a tent with two girls earned the brunette a glare even meaner than usual) He just...wandered off, leaving the rest of them to their own devices.

Feliciano didn't know many of these kids--hadn't known any of them at the start of the trip, and now only a few by more than just names. So he certainly didn't feel comfortable sitting around, trying to make awkward small-talk with them. Germans have such a bad habit of stewing in silence, never actually saying what was on their minds, and it made the boy's skin crawl in the worst ways. He couldn't even try flirting with the girls because they were too distraught by...whatever it was that happened, to really speak to anyone at all.

He'd had his meager bundle of belongings (on "loan" from his friend), and was ready to try hiking back to civilization on his own when the blonde reappeared, stammering gibberish too quickly for him to begin to understand. (The biggest downside to having left his home--his skills with English may be subpar, but compare them to his German and he's practically a native speaker. That's why trying to talk to the other boys was so difficult. The girls had at least been patient enough to speak slowly for him and try to expand his vocabulary in both languages) In the end, all he understood was "Monster, Monster" out of the tirade.

Monster's an easy word to recognize, regardless of your language.

And the group eventually decided to get rid of it.

Forget speaking German--hell, forget English. Only his mother tongue could properly berate the group for their complete and utter insanity. His friend was much more fluent in Italian than Feliciano was in German, so he understood far more of Feliciano's rant than Feliciano had of his. "If you don't want to help, then stay here," he'd been told, stuck on the receiving end of that stupid, disapproving(?) expression. "We'll take care of it and you can stay here, where it's safe."

Feliciano wasn't so prideful that he wouldn't take that offer up, no matter how much it stung to see the blonde's face fall into something far less friendly than he's used to. After all, going out and trying to hunt something down whilst armed with shovels? What kind of sanity was that? Why couldn't they just go find adults and have them take care of the problem? Isn't that all adults were good for? So in his tent he stayed, clutching his own heavy-weighted flashlight and hiding beneath his sleeping bag as the group marched out into the darkness. The girls had stayed with him, and another small boy with glasses who'd sprained his ankle the third day out here trying to hike through the woods off the trail, but Feliciano hadn't wanted to share his tent with them. He was the biggest one, and the oldest out of the quartet. If they were with him, they'd make too much noise and attract whatever...thing had his old friend so pale and shaken. And if the monster did come, well...they'd turn to him for protection, and there's no way he'd be able to do that.

The "monster-hunters" were gone for hours. Hours and hours and hours of silence, and darkness. More than once, Feliciano had second thoughts about his decision to stay, or at least crawl into the big tent with the others. He'd tried more than once to think of the safest role in horror films, but that was a bust. They constantly shuffled around from movie to movie--no one really was safe. Just like this situation. What if they didn't find the monster, but it found them? What if the searching party led it to the rest of them? What if it just wanted to eat all the weak people, first? Be nice and full and strong before taking on the others?

More than once, Feliciano ended up slamming his flashlight into the ground and cursing himself for being dragged into this situation, and not doing more to get the rest of these suicidal idiots to listen to him. The other three and himself were basically abandoned--just because there might be some...thing out here, doesn't mean the others had to go out looking for it, y'know? That's how every horror movie goes, and that's how people die. It was only a few hours' walk to the nearest town, if he remembered correctly. Sure, it had been getting dark, and it's always stupid to try moving in scary places in the dark, but isn't it worse to go hunting for things in the dark? But no--of course these stupid Germans have to take care of things, leaving himself and the only sane people behind. He'd come to Germany, to his friend, for a safe haven. A place to hide until he could figure out how to get on his feet.

He'd been abandoned, instead.

Perhaps it was too much time on his own, filled with stress, that led to Feliciano's decision. He was always more of an impulsive person--the anti-thesis to his old childhood friend, who'd had all these "plans" of how to take care of the monster once they found it. That reckless streak is what led him to run from his parents. How was gathering his things up a second time, then sneaking out of camp, any different?

There was no way the Italian was sticking around to be monster-food. Sure, it's always dangerous to go out alone, but it's not any safer to sit alone in what you think is a "safety" zone, either. He could run faster than most kids his age, and even some of the older almost-adults he'd grown up with. Feliciano was sure he could outrun any scary thing in this forest.

Feliciano thought wrong.

Whatever terrified scream he tried to let out was instantly muffled. A large hand easily fit over his nose and mouth and pressed down without mercy, cutting off his air flow entirely. What could only be assumed as another arm easily hefted the Italian's weight off the ground--far above the ground, the way he dangled as he kicked and flailed for freedom. Sharp nails easily sliced through the boy's shirt, and the ineffective beam of light from his flashlight upon the ground failed to dissuade the brunette: he was going to die.

"Come now, the fun's only just starting~ Don't you want to see what happens?"
Even now, with this entity in his head, dictating his body's actions and keeping him company in the backseat, there were no words to describe the voice reverberating in his ears, sending chills through him from more than just fear. It filled him with emotions the Italian couldn't enunciate; not for lack of words but lack of understanding his own state of mind by this point. Those words almost placated the fear in him--for what creature would ask such a thing if it simply planned to kill him?

Even with his oxygen cut off, the merest gasps feeding his lungs, and being held against his will, Feliciano couldn't help but relax in that strong grip.

The creature kept him held close, warm lips ghosting over his ear as it teased him--why run away when you were safe with the others, it wanted to know. Did he value them so little that he didn't mind what happened to them, so long as he was safe? Or did he trust them all so little that he knew he couldn't be protected there? Are you truly so fearful?

Of course he was. And honest as he was, Feliciano easily admitted so to this creature. Why lie about your fear when you're caught fleeing for your own life?

"What would you give, Feliciano, to feel safe forever?"

Everything.

Before he'd quite understood what was going on, exactly what he'd admitted and unwittingly agreed to, the presence behind him vanished. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Not understanding why he'd been let go, the brunette had tried to scramble to his flashlight, illuminate the area around him. Before he could wrap his fingers around the device, a heavy weight blanketed him, crushing him into the dirt. Something thick settled in his lungs when he tried to cry out, and all terrified amber eyes saw was blackness before something pressed against his lips and consciousness left him.

When he awoke, a tight grip bruising his shoulder as he was shaken roughly, that same, unnatural voice purred in his head, matching the words leaving his own lips despite having nothing to say: "S-Stop tugging me like that, it hurts!"

Immediately, Feliciano understood. Whatever he'd run into last night was inside him now--and using him in the process. At first he'd protested, fought hard against the hold keeping his world a fog even as he saw everything in startling clarity. What are you doing, he'd demanded, what do you want?!

I want you.

He'd been caught by an incubus, the creature wandering the woods after its last host had taken his final breath. Apparently, it had gotten into trouble whilst masquerading as a human, killing too many people in too many places; the hunters chased them into this place and "taken it out". Or so they'd thought. "I won't make the same mistakes with you", Feliciano had been reassured, body moving on autopilot with the rest of the worn, damaged group on their defeated march back to civilization. "You're young, I can build you up from here. And with your assistance, your...acceptance, we can live however we want. We can have whatever we want. And my powers, my knowledge, will keep you from ever being scared like that, again."

Deep down inside himself, Feliciano knew that he would fail if he struck out into the world on his own--hell, he hadn't even been away from home a week and he'd let himself be talked into what became a horrifying trip, where he could've easily lost his life. His parents felt him a failure, trusting in his friend had led to nothing but danger and fear, and he knew he didn't have the skills to work his way into the kind of luxury he wanted as his own. The incubus promised to give him everything he wanted.

Who could argue with that logic?

As soon as the opportunity presented itself, the two of them slipped away from the rest of the group. That had been what he'd initially planned, anyway. Life for the first few years of his life was more difficult than he'd expected, considering he had a "demon" living inside him--but as he'd been told, the creature knew how to speak many languages, knew the moves and reflexes to pick-pocket a businessman and his wife without being caught or fighting off the people who tried to take it from him in return, but the Italian's body did not. It had to be trained, just like any other. So that's what the incubus did: practiced and inadvertently taught Feliciano everything it knew. They traveled all over Europe, hitchhiking when necessary and sneaking onto trains otherwise, picking up trinkets stashed all over the continent. The first time Feliciano let himself be screwed for some extra cash, he'd been disgusted--at least until the offender collapsed, eyes wide and mouth frozen open in blissful death. That was how the incubus lived so long, after all; and how Feliciano would live, as well.

If he played his cards right, Feliciano could theoretically live forever.

To be honest, though, Feliciano never thought he'd do half the things he found himself doing as the years passed, gaining more and more wealth and learning more and more about all the pleasures his biology and the world had to offer. He moved from city to city, country to country, and each place had a plethora of new foods to try, new people to explore, beauties to be taken, and life to live. That made it a bit easier to live with the things the Italian allowed this creature to do in his skin. (It made it easy to let himself enjoy those things as time went on).

The latest condo he'd purchased is only for temporary lease. The two of them aren't sure how long they'll stay. Their latest move was due to a hunter coming a bit too close for liking; it may not be the smartest place to live if one wants to stay incognito, considering the surprisingly large magic community, both "light" and "dark" (as if such labels should actually mean something, pah), as well as beast-hunter, but... Being so close to magic could be a breath of fresh air after spending so much time in such mundane settings. Perhaps it might bring something even more interesting into their lives.

Relationships:
    ☩ Ludwig Beilschmidt: Feliciano's childhood friend, and the last to see him before he "vanished off the face of the earth". The incubus seems amused by the blonde's "desperation" to be around his old friend, as it sees the situation, and Feliciano is happy to spend time with the German. It's strange, though, how Ludwig's "job" keeps him occupied at all hours even though he doesn't have steady work...
    ☩ Lili Walser: Ludwig's younger cousin, and another friend from Feliciano's childhood. She's so trusting and innocent, it's incredibly easy to take advantage. The incubus knows that Ludwig is very protective of her, and it's fun to mess with the other by messing with his cousin. Plus, there's something interesting about corrupting someone
    ☩ Marcello Scordato: A friend with benefits, of sorts. The merman is fun to spend time with, and a good source of food when he can't be bothered to hunt some wayward soul from a seedy bar or hopping nightclub. If the other proves troublesome in the future, he's at least trustworthy enough to not spill his "secret" (as far as Feliciano is concerned, anyway. The incubus has...plans, just in case). Feliciano comes out the most around Marcello than anyone else.
Other Things Worth Mentioning:
    ❣ Ve~: One way to know when Feliciano is "more" in control than the incubus is when this strange verbal tic sneaks its way into the Italian's speech. He's not even aware he does it, it's so engrained in him, but the incubus does, hence why the "word" vanishes when the demon's influence is more evident. However, this is not a guaranteed system, for the two have been together for a long time now. They may blend more than they realize.
    ❣ Clothes: The way they dress goes far beyond what normal society considers "conventional". A well-fitted tuxedo one day, a lacey black number with matching heels the next--they honestly don't care whether an outfit is assigned to a specific gender. The incubus and human both agree that anything that is flattering on their shared form is worth wearing--though who is influencing who on the choices remains to be seen.
    ❣ Curl: The range of effects the incubus possession has on Feliciano's mind and form are unknown. Therefore, whether the brunette had a hair-pulling kink before or after the demon settled in is a mystery; regardless, they are incredibly sensitive, but a seemingly-sentient curl emerging from wavy strands of auburn hair brings a particularly toe-curling series of sensations to them.
    ❣ Acceptance: One would think having a demonic creature taking control of your body and using it to joy-ride around the world would bother a guy, y'know? And at first, it did bother Feliciano. Whether it's a slow corruption of the young adult's mind or a sign of his inner darkness is anyone's question, but by now the Italian seems happy to have the incubus around: to the point that the two are almost fully in-sync.
    ❣ Mind-Reader(?): These two like to think that they can read other peoples' minds--and in some cases, maybe they're just that lucky of guessers. It's more of a process of observing a person to guesstimate what may be going on behind the scenes, the information gathered of course used for "evil" (mostly guessing what sort of kinks a person might have hidden behind a facade of innocence, or whether a human poses a threat).
    ❣ Part of Me: In order to make sure people don't know that Feliciano is harboring an incubus inside him, he has to pretend he's normal. Thus, the two don't refer to themselves as separate entities--not even when the secret's out. It's always "I, me, myself" rather than "we, he, they", etc. However, there will be parts of speech they use to sneakily refer to each entity's specific feelings on a subject. "Part of me feels (this)", "half of me wants (that)", and so on. Generally, such phrases are to hint at the human side of the symbiotic relationship, since the incubus is in control most of the time.
    ❣ Corruption: Due to the extended period of time that Feliciano has been possessed (seven years and counting) and the strange "compatibility" between the incubus and himself, Feliciano has begun adopting some of the incubus's traits as his own, at least physically. He's grown a strange aversion to silver and iron (both metals leaving irritations and rashes in his skin when exposed), and there are several plants and trees that he is legitimately allergic to, now (such as holly and lilacs, along with oak, birch, and ceder wood). Arguably the biggest indicator of this "corruption" of even his physical form is that most white magicks don't work on him, at least not very well, and cause him legitimate pain in the process. While he's certainly not turning into a dark magical creature (in this way, it's probably not even possible), his body is slowly adapting the attributes of one.

More to be added~

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

Name: Ludwig Albrecht Beilschmidt
Creature: Human
Alignment:Lawful Good Hunter (follows hunters' rules and his own moral compass first and foremost...and then the laws of man)
Reputation: 12
Actual Age/Looks: 21
Appearance:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}His skin is also littered with old and fresh wounds alike and he has three severe scars that stick out from the rest. On his chest, he sports a scar that spans across his heart in the form of a large, slightly curved, diagonal line. It reaches from just slightly below his shoulder downward to his inner chest and was a result of a close encounter with a Nixe. He sports a smaller diagonal slash from the inner chest down to the outer chest (slightly above the nipple) and crosses over the larger one to form something of an inverted cross—it was the result of a underprepared fight with a Horerczy, and marks the man’s formal initiation into the realm of what he once believed was just fairy tales. Ludwig also bears a four inch vertical gash slightly below his left shoulder blade from a skirmish with a Wyrven (the beast managed to strike him with its barbed tail).

On a normal day, Ludwig can usually be found wearing a black tank top or t-shirt tucked into a pair of army green cargo pants, which are in turn secured by a black belt with a rectangular bronze buckle. He also wears a pair of black combat boots and he often tops off this attire with a green military-style cap.

Lutz can also be found sporting a pair of jeans and a t-shirt (and possibly a hat) or a nice button up shirt with some slacks. For more formal events, he will dress the part with a nicely tailored suit—usually one that is tan, chocolate, or black depending on the occasion. Additionally, and though he rarely ever wears them outside of the office or home, Ludwig also has a pair of square glasses that he uses mostly for reading.

However, while on the job, Ludwig opts for a more versatile and protective outfit. His gear varies depending on the situation and the creature he must face (because it would simply be foolish to try and fight against a dragon in the same attire one uses to face an imp), but Ludwig has trained himself and his body to be accustomed to his equipment. After all, you never know what you’re going to face when up against mythical beasts that are oftentimes stronger and deadlier than you, so you want to ensure you are adequately prepared and able to work with what you got. Likewise and depending on the job and what it calls for, Ludwig may carry an array of weapons, but he is almost never without his trusty HK USP pistol and/or his KM2000 combat knife. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and as per his profession, he needs to be well-equipped for each task set before him and for any surprises that may pop up.

In addition to his two armaments, the German is never without his cross necklace, which, despite the fact he is not particularly religious, he keeps on him as both a reminder and a talisman. However, rather than the traditional cross, the pendant has taken the form of an iron cross due to the fact that the item was passed down to him through his grandfather (simply due to the fact that it was intended to be an heirloom or at the very least a piece of memorabilia)

Personality Changes/Quirks:
✠ Malicious and Troublesome Creatures —Ludwig understands that not every creature of legend and lore is evil and that most only do what they do to get by. However, he does not care for them to harass or negatively influence humans, be it through theft of goods or the actual tampering of a human life. He believes that there are always alternatives...somehow. For those creatures that are inherently evil and show it, however, Ludwig feels that the world would be better off without them.
✠ Superstitious - Being a Hunter, there's just a bit more things you have to consider...even if a few bits are just old wives tales. Sometimes, you can never be too careful
✠ Distrustful - It's hard to tell humans apart from  creatures in human form... so he's a bit wary of that.
✠ Less Diplomacy, More Moving Your Ass - Fancy words don't work well with monsters unless you're trying to trick them and usually they don't care to listen at all. 
✠ Rough - He can come across as very rough around the edges, but he doesn't put up with people getting in his way or doing stupid things. As such, he'll react a bit more physically rather than just shouting at you.
✠ Law of the Hunt - Ludwig more so follows the rules of a Hunter and his own strong moral compass first, and the laws of man second. Is he going to murder an innocent just because they got in the way? Hell no. Will he potentially impersonate an official in order to get access to an area that houses an evil mythic or to get clues? It's...crossed his mind and he won't rule out the possibility if it's absolutely necessary. Will he trespass in the middle of the night to an old abandaoned shack to gank a phatom? You bet your sweet mortal butt he will.
✠ Loopholes, My Friend - Sometimes as a Hunter, you have to do things that are considered bad for the greater good... which can cause a bit of trouble for the law-abiding Ludwig. So, loopholes and the like are his best friend. Get what you need without actually breaking the big rules that'd get him in deep doodoo and send him on a permanent run from the (human) law.
✠ Protect Mankind - He's not a guy with a hero complex, but he does feel that he needs to help ensure that the evil mythics get taken care of and the good guys keep winning.
✠ Remain Human- This is a very real concern for Ludwig, especially in a place where you get thrown into a mix of beasts than have the potential to turn you into one of their own. Considering the damage and conflict of mind, body, and spirit that such a change may bring, Lutz would prefer not to be made into someone's Thrall, Beta Wolf, etc... He'd especially try and find a cure if that ever happened.

Abilities:
Ludwig is physically strong, able to hold his ground, and due to his fitness and size, it takes a lot to topple him (with regards to normal human efforts at least). The man is able to think on his feet and keeps calm under intense situations that may cause others to lose their heads, thus making him a valuable asset to any Hunting party. He is also quite resourceful and has a mind for strategy. Ludwig makes sure that he is always prepared--be it from the essentials of Monster Hunting he keeps with him and his field journal and log of mythical creatures, to his overall physical and mental readiness. He is also a born leader that can adapt to a situation and is determined in all that he does. He is also a deadly shot and his combat skills are nothing to shake a stick at (because he is likely to use said stick against you at some point).

Weaknesses:
✠ Mortality- First and foremost, Ludwig is a human being. Despite being physically strong and mentally adept, he is rather 'fragile' compared to numbers of immortal or hard to slay beasts that run around in the world.
✠ Temper/Anger- While it does take a lot for Ludwig to get genuinely infuriated, it is not impossible. Until then, you are going to deal with a barrage of shouting. However, once his temper is truly taken that extra step, Ludwig can be downright cold, cruel, and calculating. Sometimes his actions in be described as ruthless and even sadistic, but once he does finally calm down, he is never proud of the outcome
✠ Stubbornness- Ludwig, in some regards, can be described as inflexible--especially when his mind is already made up. When he is sure of a certain idea or has already set a course of action into motion, it is difficult to sway him from the path that he has chosen. Only when the outcome has proven unfavorable will he own up to his mistake and admit that he should have considered a different approach.
✠ Pessimistic- When it comes to an outlook on life and the like, Ludwig’s is not the brightest. He has a habit of seeing how things can turn out for the worst, and as a result, this affects his attitude. It also means that he's got a thing for "preparing for the worst" even if he isn't necessarily hoping for the best.
✠ Loved Ones- In all veracity, Ludwig's family is not very extensive, and his (close) friends are few. What he does have, however, he cherishes dearly and would lay down his life for them if such a situation ever arose. They’re pretty much all he has, and if one where to take them from him or threaten them, the results could be quite disastrous for everyone involved.
✠ Exorcisms - In truth.. he's not had to worry about this sort of thing as often as you'd think, but he should probably start brushing up on his Latin in case Casper gets a little too friendly.

Backstory: 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Ludwig’s childhood was nothing extravagant. He had a loving, small, but well-off family, he was not left wanting, but at the same time, he was not spoiled—even if he was an only child. Like any other child, he had chores and responsibilities, he had a few fleeting friends, and he had an active imagination.

Truthfully, Ludwig was a very smart, but shy child. When he wasn’t doing his chores , playing with friends, or watching Pumuckl on television, he’d often get his father to tell or read him fantasy stories and then re-enact them later on with the help of his toys (or friends, should they be willing). Naturally Ludwig was exposed to and quite used to the usual tales of princesses in distress, men slaying dragons, and all of the other cliché fairy tales and folklore. He was, however, especially fond of Grimm’s fairy tales, and once he was able to read himself, he began to read more into them. As he grew even older, he also began to investigate the folklore and fairy tales of other cultures.

Despite, his imagination, however, Ludwig realized that the stories and legends were merely just for entertainment and in most cases, to relay a proverb or what have you. Nevertheless, they weren’t actually real and he had no intentions of pretending that they were. After all, what were the tales, such as the story about Der Großmann, apart from a fable meant to frighten misbehaving children into doing the right thing? And what of those strange creatures or movements one saw from the corner of their eye when walking home through the wood? Simply a trick of the eye…a child’s vivid imagination—imaginary ‘friends’ even.

Well, that was what Ludwig dismissed it as.

During his early teenage years, he stumbled upon the fate of his ancestors while looking up a few things for a class project revolving around the plague and an outbreak of it in Germany. At first, nothing seemed amiss—that was until he started noticing a few less than scholarly sources citing that it had been the work of a supernatural force due to so many people dying so quickly of the same thing and that Beilschmidt were the first to have been eradicated (with the exception of his great-great-great-grandfather’s lineage of course). He wrote it off as mere mythical medieval hogwash.

It was only a couple of years after his findings about his family and the plauge that Ludwig and a few of his closest friends decided to go camping to celebrate the beginning of summer. Everything started out fine. No strange sounds, no bothersome guests. Nothing at all. However, as the days passed, there did seem to be an increase of small white butterflies around the camp—and if Ludwig didn’t know better, he’d swear one or two of them were wearing…..hats? Yes. Hats—they wore little, tiny hats betwixt their antennae or at the very least some part of their anatomy gave them the illusion of wearing said head coverings.

Around the tenth night of their planned two-week excursion, Ludwig found that he could not sleep due to what sounded like strained breathing and muted cries of panic from the tent next to his. Curious and concerned, he ventured out with his flashlight and snuck into the other tent only to find some strange-looking creature sitting on his friend’s chest—and it was wearing one of those verdammt little hats! At first Ludwig didn’t know how to react—surely he was hallucinating or his eyes were playing tricks on him in the middle of the night. A chill ran down his spine as the creature turned to regard him and then suddenly vanished, thus leaving the girl and allowing her to breathe normally. Apart from that, the only sign of the creature’s departure was the rustle of the tent flap as it exited the scene and the fact that the girl’s chest was lightly bleeding from where it had suckled on her for blood and milk. It went without saying that both youths were rather apprehensive for the rest of the night, and could all but lie awake until morning and wait for the others to confirm that the marks were not merely the trick of a lucid dream or tired eye.

Unfortunately, the marks were still quite visible come morning, which further bothered the young Ludwig. Not wanting to cause to terrible of a stir or become that one person in the group seen as overreacting, he did the only logical thing he knew to do—go after one of those butterflies with the hats. After all, the creature he had seen the previous night wore a similar one, so perhaps the two were connected. Regardless, the task was easier said than done and Ludwig soon abandoned trying to catch it with his bare hands to grabbing a decent length stick and using that to knock one out of the air. Luckily, he managed to hit one and as the butterfly was felled, its little hat toppled off. After collecting the hat, and much to Ludwig’s astonishment, the creature began to speak softly, begging for his hat to be given back and promising a ‘great reward’. Ludwig refused at first and simply asked the beast—which he now realized to be a shape-shifting Alp—where it and the other white butterflies were coming from and why they kept multiplying. Only when he received an answer did he give the beloved hat back.

Though utterly baffled and more than partially skeptical, Ludwig, along with a couple of others from the camp, decided to investigate the source (after all, they wouldn’t stand for getting attacked during their vacation, so it was best to put a stop to whatever was the main cause of the trouble). That source just so happened to be a Horerczy and the butterflies that it spewed from its mouth were a combination of shape-shifting Alps and vampiric butterflies—which had been secretly feeding on the campers for the past few nights (they thought it was just bug bites). Having been found out, the demon attacked the campers itself and after unleashing another breath of blood-thirsty butterflies. Ludwig and his friends fought back the best they could with what they had, but in the end, they were the ones who suffered the most injury and had to retreat to safety, thus calling an early end to their camping trip. What else could one expect when fighting a demon with nothing but camping equipment?

Ludwig tried to forget the encounter at first, and then tried to rationalize it when forgetting failed. The truth, however, was just as clearn as the scar that the Horerczy left on his chest: the myths and legends were real.

From then on, Ludwig began to grow warier of stranger occurrences, and questioned everything he had previously known. He also decided that he would look further into his family’s past and see if the supernatural truly did have anything to do with the plague. In addition, he felt the compulsion to take up arms against the more malicious creatures—such as the one he faced years ago in the woods. He hated how helpless he had felt back then and how he and his friends had, more or less, been used for demon fodder without realizing it. After taking up the role of a Hunter, he vowed to become better prepared to face a world full of beasts, and to prevent those that were wicked from harming human kind.

Relationships:
Feliciano Vargas - An old friend that he had lost contact years after the fateful camping trip... They've reunited, but Feli seems... different.

Gilbert:  A fellow hunter. They aren't on the best of terms, but they aren't enemies. He'd consider working with the man again, if the time called for it.


Other Things Worth mentioning: 
✠ Owns a German Shepherd by the name of Aster. He's a good companion and puts up one heck of a fight when Lutz needs backup.
✠ Yes, the iron cross actually has a core of blackened iron and is surrounded by a 'frame' of silver. As a result, offers some protection against various creatures.
✠ He Has a motorcycle but is looking into getting an affordable car that he can keep some of his equipment in. Especially since the inventory is getting bigger and harder to carry on his bike.
✠ May start looking into Jobs around the area since... well, he needs money, but there's no shortage of mythical problems in this place, it seems. Perhaps a mechanic would be suitable.
✠ German MacGyver. Enough said.
✠ May start leaning even more towards his own 'code' or standard set of rules as time goes on, but he still adheres to the biggest laws/rules of mankind. That's just ingrained into him.

[Antonio Fernandez Carriedo]

Name: Antonio
Creature: Werewolf (i.e. man who becomes wolf-man on nights with full moons)
Alignment/Occupation: Neutral dance instructor.
Reputation: 4
Actual Age/Looks: 25

Appearance: 
Though such a description would surely make him laugh, Antonio in his human form could be considered a foreign beauty: he has short, chocolate brown locks that tend to take on an attractive state of disarray without much effort on his part; he's been graced with long lashes & captivating emerald green eyes; though by no means hulking, his 5'7" form boasts tanned skin & well toned muscles underneath; he has da booty and wears formfitting pants; and his accent coupled with the dazzling smile he can produce is most definitely a swoon-worthy combo.

The Spaniard is not without scars & physical insecurities, however. For one, he will not wear shirts whose collars expose more than an inch or so of his chest for fear of anyone glimpsing the small, cross-shaped discoloration just below that; he'd worn a silver cross as a child, and it had slowly been irritating & burning him without his realizing while his body gradually prepared for his first Change. The resulting burn mark is more a curiosity than grounds to call him out on his lycanthropy, but curiosities led to questions & suspicion, both of which are best avoided when one has something to hide. He now wears a golden cross (not having wanted to go without the familiar symbol 'round his neck after discovering he could no longer come in contact with his silver one), and only takes it off when a full moon is drawing near so as to remove an identifier (i.e. something linking him to his werewolf self).

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Cross removed, only one physical identifier typically remains when he transforms: the colour of his eyes. Antonio's werewolf form is pitch black after all, fur unlike the colour of his hair, and is much sturdier in build so any clothing that could serve to identify him is typically torn by expanding muscles during the transformation. One would think based on said build that he'd be of the lumbering sort when shifted and choosing to stand upright, but he's actually quite adept at quick movements like dodging both on all fours and upright, thanks to years of excelling in quick dance steps as a human.

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Upon reverting back to normal after a night of hunting, he definitely won't look to be in top form. Antonio's complexion will be paler than usual from exertion and his skin may be marred with rapidly-healing scars depending on the encounters he'd had the night before. To believe he looks sick during these couple of days post-transformation wouldn't be far off the mark either; he sometimes is, depending on what (or who) he may have made a meal out of.

Personality Changes/Quirks: 
(+) Loyal: His loyalties would lie predominantly with his pack, but seeing as he's without one currently... if he enjoys someone's company and respects him/her, he'll have his/her back no matter what differences the two may have. His friends are his friends, simple as that.

(+/-) Protective: Antonio will defend those close to him with his life if it comes to that, without hesitation, whether the phase of the moon is in his favour or not. He'll also display signs of protectiveness over friends at times, such as almost physically growling at anyone seeming to have hostile intentions towards them, and he'll sometimes step forward too to communicate essentially 'I've got this one's back. Watch yourself'. He's been jokingly likened to a guard dog before as a result- a comparison quite frankly too close for comfort- but he honestly can't help feeling compelled by protective instincts even if he knows that sometimes it's not his fight. He just hopes he's not overstepping or being bothersome to those he cares about, because he really does try to reign in his compulsion to defend when he knows it's not his place.

(-) Indecisive: The Spaniard can be agonizingly indecisive at times, when he's not passionate about or keen on either option in particular or is equally passionate about all options. He'll even given himself headaches sometimes, tending to over-think in such instances.

(+) Optimistic: Antonio wouldn't be his cheerful self without his optimism. Holding tight to silver linings (or maybe looking on the bright side would be better wording) when things look grim has become an integral part of his keeping composure through tough times. Those who don't know better could construe his optimism as obliviousness, but his cheerful demeanor really culminated over the years thanks to the trials he's faced and to his ties to others. It was not due to naivety but experience that Antonio has come to understand that with perseverance, hope & good friends, one can better their odds of still enjoying life, no matter what life throws one's way. That's why smiling & laughing seem to come so naturally to him now; he's found his sources of happiness and refuses to let his spirits be dampened for too long.

(+) Passionate: The Spanish werewolf feels intensely, to put it simply. He lets his emotions guide his actions, and when immersed in and surrounded by what he's passionate about, his heart could spill over. This explains the rambling he can sometimes fall into when discussing any of his numerous passions (see: likes). He doesn't mean to come off as intense in such instances, he's just not very good at keeping such intense emotions bottled up.

(-) Impulsive: More often then he'd be proud to admit, Antonio operates on whims with consequences only coming to mind either midway through his acting on said impulses or after all is said & done. Having his natural tendency to act on his first instinct enhanced thanks to the wolf-blood coursing in his veins doesn't help this, though he's in the process of trying to rework himself to evaluate before acting on the first thing he feels compelled to do.

(+) Easy going: This isn't to say that he's lazy; on the contrary, Antonio takes pride in fruitful hard work. He's just laid-back is all, and tasks that must be done more out of necessity than an innate passion would require more pressure for him to get done. He's also not one to complain about any downtime he may get and is quite fine with going with the flow, whatever that entails. As much as he may fret at times, ultimately he tries to take things in stride and live day to day & in the moment.

(-) Spacey: Antonio is admittedly prone to getting lost in his thoughts and being easily distracted by said thoughts. This is especially true when his thoughts carry promises of being more interesting than his surroundings, such as when they take the form of something he's passionate about. Snapping him out of his daydreaming is simple enough though and he'll apologize because honestly most times he won't have meant to space out.

(-) Possessive: In short, if ever Antonio ends up one day uttering or thinking the word "mine" in isolation pertaining to someone, he will mean it in the sense that the other is: his to protect; his to comfort; his to love; his to cheer on; his to make smile and ultimately his and thus nobody else's. He'll also hope he's considered the other's as well, since he'll only ever consider someone his if: he truly loves him/her; wants to have a permanent place by his/her side; and is quite sure the feeling is mutual. If that's established though, he'd be the type to want it known that what's his is off limits. With bite marks being out of the question and with his scent possibly mistakable for a pet's to human senses, rivals flitting around his love interest unknowingly (or worse, making advances knowingly) would most definitely get his jealousy flared under his tendency to hide selfish emotions behind forced smiles.

-------☾------- 

Sadly, none of the above really translates over to Antonio's wolf-man form because said form operates purely on instincts liking hunting & feeding, and is highly territorial. He may be calmed slightly by the sight of a familiar face while shifted, but it would be foolish to gamble one's safety around him on that alone. A mate would stand a better chance, having strong facial & scent recognition as well as the beast's protective instincts in his/her favour, but that won't change the fact that he'll still be lethal to others and beyond the reach of reason while transformed.

Abilities: 
Antonio has a heightened sense of smell & hearing as well as enhanced strength, all of which depend largely on how close to a full moon it is. While recovering from a transformation for example, these abilities will be at their weakest. He's also a bit warmer in body temperature, and tends to heal relatively quickly as long as the wound wasn't inflicted by something silver. 

-------☾------- 

On the night of a full moon, the abilities above are at their peak... and when one factors in the additional perks of having night vision, teeth n' claws and increased speed, endurance and stamina, Antonio can be a force to contend with. Being bitten or scratched by him could also lead to contracting lycanthropy, if some of his wolf-blood mixes into the wound & if he/she who is bitten/scratched survives the encounter.

Weaknesses: 

• Silver: Wounds inflicted by silver do not heal well, if at all, and burn werewolves on contact. Embedded bullets can thus be quite lethal.
  
• Wolfsbane: Mere indirect exposure to the plant (i.e. inhaling it's scent) can leave him weakened, feverish and with diminished senses, therefore Antonio doesn't like thinking about the outcome should it ever enter his bloodstream.
  
• Tranquilizers: If strong enough, one should render him unconscious
  
• Gems: Though not a common weakness among werewolves, Spanish werewolves may like gems a little too much for their own good. Sparkly jewels and the like can distract them momentarily, and brief vulnerability can be their downfall if properly exploited (i.e. with silver at one's disposal).
  
• Post-transformation period: It's during these few days that he's at his weakest after all.
  

Backstory: 
Antonio had a carefree, unassuming childhood back in the Spanish countryside: his had mother taught him songs and instilled in him a love of music; his father, with a wink, had taught him to follow through with chores to stay on his mother's good side; he'd had plenty of cousins living nearby to play with; and his home life had been, as thus, pretty much bliss.

How such a life could have gone from bliss to something out of nightmare so unexpectedly, he'll never understand... but then again, nothing about his being infected had been the violent or shady norm that left little room for doubt as to what was happening. No, the only event that could have caused the beginnings of lycanthropy in Antonio would have had to have been the one unfortunate tumble he'd taken into a stream Iberian wolves must have frequented, when he was eight.

Him & his family had gone camping, planning on spending quality time on some hiking trails in the Cantabrian mountains. While his parents pitched the tent, Antonio got caught up adventuring 'round their makeshift campsite with an explorer's hat & everything and had tripped and fallen face first into a stream because he'd been just that much of an accident-prone child. Naturally he'd sputtered, gotten back up and went dashing back to his travel bag, all sopping wet and wanting dry clothes so he could keep playing, and was met with mild exasperation from his mother and a 'boys will be boys' comment from his father.

That night they'd heard wolves howling a little too close for comfort, and Antonio's fever set in. It only held for a few days as was typical of bad fevers, but it'd marked the beginning of a much more... permanent... physiological arrangement in his blood. Over the course of the next five years, every month entailed a period of restlessness that only got worse as he aged. Neighbourhood pets that'd used to great him enthusiastically when he passed started shrinking away from him too, and his chest'd itched something awful when he hadn't kept busy (i.e. displaced his silver cross). The most frightening development though had to have been the raw meat cravings that started accompanying the restlessness when he was twelve; they'd made him feel like some sort of monster, and out of fear he'd kept them to himself.

Antonio hadn't the faintest clue what was happening to him. Werewolves were considered a thing of myth to many and not a thing of popular myth either (or at least, not in Spain); the signs that were there (i.e. restlessness around the time of each full moon, a wolfish scent, aversion to silver & raw meat cravings) thus failed to catch anyone's notice in a way that'd bring it all together until it was far too late. On the first night of a full moon after Antonio'd turned thirteen, he'd transformed.

His parents thankfully had stepped out that night so they'd been spared from harm, but one could not say the same about the living room: he'd torn the drapes to shreds when he'd stumbled and reached for them mid-transformation; he'd careened into furniture, knocking over lamps and picture frames; he'd scratched the floors to hell in a desperate attempt to hold on to rational thought; and when the pain had subsided, the transformation thus complete, he'd ended up crashing through the picture window to follow the scent of nearby livestock that'd been wafting through it.

Fortunately, everything beyond that point, Antonio failed to remember. He'd only regained proper awareness when the moon had finally set and it was daylight out, and found himself deep in the woods, with no memory of anything past the transformation, and with blood on his hands, his clothes in tatters and an awful coppery taste in his mouth. Naturally, he'd freaked out and scrambled for water to wash the blood away. Somehow he'd become a werewolf. He'd probably just killed and... and ate somebody. Or more than one somebody. He'd felt ill just thinking about it, and the sound of sirens in the distance hadn't helped him fight down the nausea at all.

In the end, figuring he'd be put down if linked to the blood he'd spilled and knowing he wouldn't be able to live with the guilt if he ended up hurting his parents anyway, Antonio had concluded returning home'd be too risky. He instead set out, at thirteen, to try slumming it alone as best he could so as not to needlessly threaten the safety of others, and over the years that followed: he'd made sure to put ample distance between himself and his hometown just to be safe, making leaps and bounds further away in wolf form when that time came around; and he'd frequently hopped towns over a good chunk of that time, having at first been young & too scared to stay long enough in one place to risk discovery. It was only recently (i.e. almost a year ago) that Antonio finally decided to stop denying himself the right to call somewhere home. He hadn't been living; he'd merely been running, just like a wolf would, and that realization bothered him enough to try turning things around.

Relationships: TBP
Hans: A fellow werewolf that he's befriended, with benefits. There'd just been something comforting in running into another werewolf in town, who wasn't trying to live it up wild and free in the woods like some of the packs he'd run into during his time on the run. The two had agreed to try out a semblance of a small pack by turning together when the moon's full regardless of the proximity increasing the odds that they would fight while not themselves. Eventually, another arrangement was agreed upon as well, to deal with winter inconveniences mostly. 

Other Things Worth mentioning:

• He makes sure to leave town for the wilderness a few days before a full moon, to reduce the chance of human casualties, sometimes under the ironic pretense of meeting up with family for a camping trip.
  
• He misses his folks terribly on that note, but he won't allow himself to seek them out again unless he can honestly say he's no longer a threat to them or anyone. In his opinion, it'd be cruel to reveal that he's been alright all these years just for them to have to grieve him all over again if he's hunted down. Unfortunately he hasn't come across a cure yet that's worked (though he's been avoiding trying any that sounded too life-endangering), but he's recently stumbled upon an old, legit-sounding piece of writing outlining a cure that'd require someone extremely skilled at potion making and dabbling in magic to even attempt. The potion contains wolfsbane so it has to be mixed exactly right, and the subsequent ritual performed to extract the dormant second nature (i.e. the wolf) from the body has to be done carefully. 
• Though he has no way of knowing it, he had killed a farmhand the first time he'd transformed, along with a lot of sheep. Since then, he's tried to keep all transformations in the woods and has killed mostly just wild game and... the odd unlucky camper/adventurer.
  
• Antonio hopes with all his heart to someday find someone whom he could bare his soul and the truth of his affliction to without fear of being feared, essentially. He also suspects that his wolf-blood might prefer for said someone to be female for breeding purposes, but quite frankly he's terrified that any kids of his would inherit his lycanthropy, and well... he's always been more attracted to guys anyway. That being said, his "mate" probably wouldn't be the norm as far as werewolf mates go.
  
• He's spared remembering his nights spent as a werewolf for the most part thanks to not being purebred, but is that truly a blessing? Not knowing if someone'd been hurt or worse during the night, feeling sick with shame & worrying that it'd been a friend or a child this time... No matter how well he may appear to bounce back from that each time, there'll always deep-rooted dread of the next full moon lying at the back of his mind.
  
• Despite being pretty well equally matched around the time of a full moon, Antonio is driven by instinct to dislike vampires. He'll bristle upon merely catching one's scent, quickly becoming uncomfortable and on edge. He can tolerate being around one though, if he must. This aversion to vampires becomes zero-tolerance loathing under a full moon though. This means full-out snarling, snapping, swiping and lunging at any who cross his path.
  
• Though he usually can't get too close to them lest they catch his scent and balk, Antonio really likes animals (especially fluffy dogs and baby animals). Sadly his wolf form likes animals too, but in an entirely different way. 
• Every winter without fail, he'll cancel his dance lessons for a week on pretense of catching the flu because the real reason for shutting himself in is too embarrassing.
  

[Lukas Iversen]

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NAME: Lukas Aksel Iversen
CREATURE: Draugr – undead, again-walker, shapeshifter
ALIGNMENT/OCCUPATION: Dark, Chaotic Neutral // Unemployed
REPUTATION: 12
AGE: Age unknown, appears around 27 in human form

APPEARANCE

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DRAUGR ll A draugr’s true form isn’t beautiful to look at. Though their appearance varies between each individual, their true form reflects their undead nature; their bodies are rotting, blackened and slimy, and are sometimes described as horrifying enough to drive a person mad. Lukas is no exception to this. Though his true form holds a vaguely human shape, his head and upper body are covered almost entirely by dripping seaweed. Whatever skin is showing is a sickeningly greenish or bluish in color, slouching off his body and darkened by decay. This form even emits an unmistakable stench of rot and seawater.

HUMAN ll In contrast to his rather hideous looking true form, his human appearance is very beautiful at least in human standards. He did have some say in the matter when he was given the ability to turn into human, and maybe it was because he was both envious of the living humans and longed for their acceptance and attention that he wanted to be attractive to them. His eyes are a dark shade of steely blue, his hair is a pale ashy blonde that frames his face in soft curls. He’s somewhat tall, standing around 5”10’ (or 179cm) with a lean build.


PERSONALITY CHANGES/QUIRKS

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POSSESSIVE ll The loss of his brother and the lack of human connections in his life have made him quite possessive of his relationships. Mingling with humans isn’t easy when you have to hide the fact you’re not actually alive, so when he does manage to build a deeper relationship with someone, whether platonic or romantic, he doesn’t let that person go easily and can at times be unreasonably jealous. The fact that draugar are known for protecting their property viciously doesn’t exactly help with this.

AFFECTIONATE ll This applies especially to people he knows well and trusts, but also with strangers if he happens to be in his cat form. He likes to touch and snuggle up with people, if for nothing else but to soak up their warmth for a little while.

JEALOUS ll Being possessive of his relationships means he also gets easily jealous. But at the same time, he’s also jealous of all of humanity for being alive. He resents them for their breathing lungs and their beating hearts, and at the same time he feels a sense of longing for the things he’s lost.

NEUTRAL ll Though he’s by standard a “dark” creature who can harm humans, Lukas doesn’t really have any goal or mission in life. He will hurt someone if he has to, or if he happens to get a craving for human meat, but otherwise he doesn’t really care what happens to people outside of his small social circle.

ABILITIES

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STRENGTH ll Lukas is definitely stronger than an average human, making him a dangerous enemy to someone who doesn’t know how his weaknesses and tries to win by sheer force. His inhuman strength is, however, restricted only to his true form. As human, he isn’t any stronger than he looks (which isn’t much, to be honest).

SHAPESHIFTING ll In addition to his human form, Lukas can take on several different shapes. In water he will often turn into a seal, during the day he might take the form of a white Norwegian forest cat. He can also turn into a horse, but as this form also appears as ‘undead’ it’s not something he uses often. It’s useful mostly when he needs to move faster than his other forms allow.

In addition to assuming different forms, Lukas can also increase his size or weight at will. These two are not necessarily correlated, however. For example, he’s been known to crush people under his weight even in his cat form.

DREAMWALKING ll Lukas can enter the dreams of other living creatures. However, this requires him to have met the person beforehand at least once, and for him to be in a dormant state as well. In dreams he can become actual part of the dream (usually when he wishes to communicate with someone through their dream) or remain just as a spectator. However, even if he remains a spectator the person will be able to feel his presence, or that someone is there, which can make the person quite uneasy. It doesn’t help that he often leaves something behind for the person dreaming. For him, it may represent his gratitude for allowing him to take part in the dream, but for the person in question it can be a terrifying proof that someone indeed was inside their head.

FORESIGHT ll Having been to the other side and crossed the line to the land of the dead, Lukas knows things that are unknown to other creatures, human or not. He cannot see future clearly, though, and can only predict death or accidents or other downfalls. He can only share this knowledge through dreams, however, and usually doesn’t do it at all if he feels there’s nothing for him to gain from it.

WEAKNESSES

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HAIRPIN ll Unlike other non-humans and despite his shapeshifting abilities, Lukas cannot assume a human form with his own powers. His humanity was lost years ago when he passed away and refused to move on, and there’s no way of getting it back. This is why he needs an external source that carries that kind of magical power, and in his case that source is his hairpin. It’s shaped like a silvery cross, a holy relic of Christianity, though its power has nothing to do with said religion. The shape might give him some protection, as people don’t usually expect evil creatures to wear such symbols, but it’s also a weakness; if he loses the pin or it’s broken, he will return to his original form and his cover will be blown.

UNDEAD TRAITS ll Even though he can appear human, the fact that he’s not alive doesn’t change. This means that his body is almost always cold to the touch. He can warm up temporarily if near a heat source, but he will always go back to being cold when he moves away. He also doesn’t need to drink or eat or sleep, though he can do all of these things. They just don’t really bring him any pleasure or satisfaction. If someone touches him or stays around him for a longer periods of time, these traits can easily rouse suspicions. Especially since he tends to forget to pretend to feel hungry or sleepy.

MORTAL ll A draugr is quite hard to kill, but Lukas is not immortal. He can feel pain and he can be killed and erased from existence, which is why he relies quite heavily on his human disguise. Fire is one of the most effective weapons against him as it will dispose of his entire body instead of just injuring him. Swords and other weapons can cause him pain and weaken him, but most likely won’t be enough to kill him. Cutting his head off completely should do the trick however, though you might still want to make sure he won’t be able to come back by ensuring not a single part of him remains.

WATER ll Lukas is a sea-draugr, meaning he is someone who died at the sea. Though this not prevent him from treading on land, he does need water to retain his strength. This is why he usually likes to spend his nights in a bathtub or in the sea if possible. In a pinch, he can go a few days without water, but he won’t be nearly as strong nor be able to use any of his abilities properly.


BACKSTORY

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Lukas doesn’t remember much of his life when he was still alive. Most of the details were lost when he became a draugr, but there are some glimpses, some feelings that still linger in the back of his mind to this day. He remembers a small hut by the sea, ships with white sails, young girls with flowers in their hair and the sound of laughter. Most of all, though, he remembers his brother’s crying face and the cold darkness of the ocean bottom, the burning in his lungs and the fear and anger and resentment that in the end tied him to the world of the living for eternity.

He isn’t sure how much time had passed between his death and his return but it had been too late; his home village had already been in ruins, houses burnt to the ground and his brother gone. Dead or carried away as a prisoner of war, he did not know, but his next years were spent in search for his brother and the attackers, the hatred and will for revenge his driving force. And he did find the people responsible, one by one, taking great satisfaction in tormenting them, driving them mad, ripping them apart and devouring their flesh.

Yet, he was unable to find his brother, and so he kept going. Days and months and years blurred together, but he kept searching, on land and in the sea, believing that the next day would be the day they were reunited.
Until one day, he looked around him and realized that the world had changed and everyone he might have once known were dead, lost in the passage of time. His brother was dead too, had probably been for many years, and the realization changed him. In his sadness and frustration he went berserk, killing all the poor souls that happened on his path, slaughtering livestock and horses and murdering people in their beds, leaving their half-eaten corpses behind to rot and instill fear in the hearts of humans. This went on for a couple months before he happened upon the shoreline, where he finally stopped in his exhaustion and finally allowed the emptiness to consume him. There was no purpose for him anymore, but he could not die again and follow where his brother had gone, so he merely returned to the ocean where he slept and waited. For what, he did not know, nor did it matter to him.

But one day he was abruptly woken from his dormant state when he got caught in a trawling net. He was able to cut himself loose before he was lifted on board, but when peeked his head over the surface a little ways away all he could see were iron ships that spit out smoke into the sky and bright lights in the horizon where a new city had risen. For the first time in a long time he felt a sense of curiosity towards the world and decided to explore, turning himself into a cat as he reached the shore and heading into towards the lights and the buildings reaching high into the sky.

His explorations were cut short, though, as only a couple hours later he was caught by some human and brought to a place that was filled with cats and dogs and other animals in cages. It didn’t seem the people at the place had bad intentions, but the dogs and other animals didn’t seem to like him very much and he didn’t exactly want to be locked up either. It was quite refreshing too, the way the girl who had come to feed him screamed bloody murder when she was greeted by a water dripping corpse standing in the middle of the room instead, but instead of chasing after her when she fled he took his leave as well, reassuming his cat form and heading back to the streets.

His little stunt had apparently drawn some attention, though, as he was approached by a strange person sometime later. Just like he knew they weren’t a normal human, they seemed to be aware that he wasn’t a normal cat either. They talked to him, invited him to their house and explained to him what was going on in the world. The time for creatures like him was over, humans ruled the world now and magic was something people didn’t know even existed. His choices were to either continue as he was and risk of being captured and killed, to go back to the ocean to hide or blend in, something they would be able to help with. After a moment’s consideration Lukas accepted their offer, and was given a small cross that would allow him to take on a human shape. Of course, they wanted something in return, but they wouldn’t tell him what. Just that they would come back to collect the payment some day.
 

RELATIONSHIPS

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TBP 

OTHER THINGS WORTH MENTIONING

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Lukas is unable to change his human form’s appearance. Even things like eating and exercising more/less have no effect on his human body. He doesn’t age either.

Lukas has regenerative abilities, which are the reason his body must be disposed of properly to “kill” him. These abilities are something he can control, namely he can stop the regeneration in his human form to blend in easier. After all, if a human was to suddenly sprout a new arm out of nowhere that would draw unnecessary attention.

Lukas has a deep affinity with cats. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that he can turn into one. Likewise, cats seem to like him quite a bit even though all other animals shun from him even when he’s in human form.

While most people would probably describe him as a zombie, Lukas isn’t exactly the same. First of all, he still retains his will and most of his self control. He doesn’t mindlessly devour people (excluding that one incident years ago) at all times, but occasionally his instincts or emotions take over and he might prey on someone. It’s a somewhat rare occurrence, though.

[Mihai Roșu]

"Locking rhythms to the beat of her heart, changing movement into life."

Name: Mihai Roșu, his real name's a secret
Gender: Male (trans)
Creature: Iele - similar to nymphs of Greek mythology
Alignment: Chaotic neutral
Occupation: Barista, cabaret singer
Reputation: 7
Actual Age/Looks: About a century old, but looks around his mid-twenties
Appearance:

SPOILER: Click to show

Iele are said to be beautiful creatures with great seductive power, especially over men. Due to this, by human standards, Mihai could be considered exceptionally attractive. His face is rather androgynous, with mostly angular features and an eyecolor that borders on red. He leaves his mousy-blond hair long, just above his waist, which he usually puts into a braid or ponytail to keep out of his way. He's quite fond of playing with it using ribbons, flowers, and hair clips.

With a slim physique, but noticeable dips around his waist and curves around his hips, his build could probably be described as 'feminine.' He doesn't appear to be very strong (and probably isn't), but as an ethereal creature who relies chiefly on spells to achieve his ends, he has no need to be. He does, however, make for a graceful dancer–not that many people have ever seen him dance and were able to retell the tale. Despite his figure and what assumptions people may make about him, not many people know what kind of heat he packs downstairs.

He has to focus to keep his corporeal body, however, so he can fade into an immaterial form if he's not paying attention. He also tends to wear bells around his ankles.

Personality Changes/Quirks:

SPOILER: Click to show

• Hot-tempered. Seemingly innocuous things can throw Mihai into a frenzy, even if it's something that could be rectified with an apology. He doesn't hesitate to express his anger, and will scream at the wrongdoer if provoked, even if the reaction wasn't necessarily warranted.
• Vengeful. That said, depending on the transgression, he will take revenge. This mostly takes the form of spells that will impair the wrongdoer's daily life, but on dramatic occasions, has led to disappearances or deaths. The most serious punishments are reserved for particularly egregious crimes, however, especially those that include directly or indirectly threatening him.
• Particular. There are some specific things that simply should not be done, as they will inspire the above reactions:
  • step on any scorched grass left behind by him
  • sleep on his property without permission
  • drink from his tap or bottle
  • refuse his invitation to dance
  • come upon him while he is dancing
  • make any attempt to sexually harass him
  
  Each will incur different punishments (and it also depends on his mood), but at the very least, they will be met by an indignant reaction.
• Lonely. Iele are creatures that stick close together, but despite his years of searching, he has never found another iele. He has a strong desire to be able to join them and fully exhibit his nature rather than being constrained by human society; being raised by humans was also a tremendous blow to his self-understanding. Though he's still trying to find more of his 'kind,' he is often struck by loneliness and a sense of feeling lost.
• Sociable. His interactions with others acts as a replacement to the connections with other iele he craves. He tends to surround himself with people, but is particularly drawn to other supernatural creatures–who may feel just as out of place as he does.
• Physical contact. He's a lot more reserved about touching people. Though he's still quite affectionate towards those he knows and is comfortable with, he tends to stay away from contact with strangers. His sex drive isn't as high either, and he could probably be considered to be on the asexual spectrum.

Abilities: Iele are most powerful at Midsummer's Eve.

• Dance. He's an extraordinarily graceful dancer, emphasis on extraordinary. To see him dance without his permission, however, can lead the witness to be berated or cursed, as the iele in general are protective of their privacy. Since he doesn't have companions though, he can't exact some particular punishments, and has come to this behavior not through learning, but due to his own sense of privacy inherited from the iele's nature. The grass upon which he dances will appear scorched by a fire.
• Song. A iele's song is mesmerizing and can induce an entrancing effect, though to hear it on accident if the iele doesn't mean to be heard can result in the listener becoming instantly mute.
• Spellcasting. Mihai's preferred method of operating is spellcasting. He can use it to cause spinning vertigo, make someone sleep, to bring about accidents that cripple or kill people (or their pets/cattle), or set fire to houses.
• Nature affinity. He has limited ability to control nature. Theoretically, iele can make hail fall, rivers flood, and trees wither, and while he can manage these, he tends to be weaker due to his solitariness and (relative) youth. His range isn't quite as far or his effects as long-lasting, so while he can maybe kill two or three trees, he can't affect an entire village or town, as groups of iele might.
• Flight. He can fly (without wings), and while he prefers it to walking, he isn't able to drift as much as he wants to since humans find it weird. If he decides to dematerialize, however, this comes in handy.
• Speed. He can travel at an above-normal speed, but he can typically only do this when not limited by his material form. Legend has it that iele have chariots of fire which they may use for this purpose, and he wonders if he'll ever get his hands on one.

Weaknesses:

• Festival days. The main form of appeasement of iele, and festivals will usually attenuate any ill-will. Mihai usually finds himself in better spirits during those days as well, and may be a great deal more amiable.
• Garlic and mugwort. When worn around the waist, in the bosom, or hung from the hat, these can prevent iele from approaching the wearer.
• The skull of a horse. Hanging the skull of a horse on a pole in front of the house can likewise keep iele away from the household.
• Călușari. This dance, when performed, can cure any physical or mental ill brought about by iele.
• Injury. He can be injured like a human, though it's difficult to do as he can dematerialize at will. If injured, dematerializing can prevent further damage to his physical body (ex. blood-loss) but does not automatically heal his wounds, though he can choose to remain intangible until his physical form has healed. This makes him incredibly difficult to kill, though it's not impossible.

Backstory:

SPOILER: Click to show

The story starts not with Mihai himself, but with his mother. Ileane Costea was a young girl who grew up in the outskirts of Ovidiu, Romania, a small town dedicated to agriculture. The year was 1823, and she was eight when she met a iele for the first time. The iele took a liking to the young girl, and occasionally watched over her as she grew up. They became close friends, and the iele realized that her feelings for Ileane were rooted much deeper than she had felt for any human before, but Ileane was due to be wed. The iele approached her on her wedding day, and offered to give her life for eternity, if only Ileane would be with her, but Ileane refused. She was afraid of the unknown, and she loved her human life too much to leave it all behind. Heartbroken, the iele retreated into the fields, and did not appear for a long time afterward.

The next time she did was when Ileane birthed a daughter. The iele thought that if she could not grant Ileane eternal happiness, she could at least give it to her daughter, who would inherit the offer she had made Ileane nearly two years ago. Thus, unbeknownst to mother or father, Luminița Popescu was never to be human, though they wouldn't know this at first. When Luminița was still young, their family moved to Constanța, thanks to her father's (relative) wealth, and she knew more of the burgeoning city than her birthplace of Ovidiu. She never met her mother's erstwhile friend, apart from one or two vague memories of a stunningly beautiful woman appearing at her window in their old home. It wasn't until she was sixteen she received any indication that she might not be what she seemed. She had always been exceptional at singing and dancing, but it was only then that she–and others–realized that nature tended to react to her bidding. She discovered this, among other abilities.

Figuring this out quickly, and what it possibly meant for her, she tried to keep it quiet with her mother's bidding. Meanwhile, Ileane told her what she knew about the iele, including the deal that had been offered to her a lifetime ago at Ovidiu. Luminița absorbed this with interest, and was intrigued by the possibilities. Nevertheless, her efforts to control her powers were restricted to behind closed doors, but what couldn't be hidden was her lack of age. Decades later, she buried her parents looking not a day over twenty, then promptly disappeared, leaving the mystery of the daughter of the Popescu family to become legend in the contemporary dwellers of Constanța.

Realizing it would be easier for her to travel around and take up jobs as a man, Luminița cut her hair and donned men's clothing, renaming herself as "Mihai." He wandered from place to place, working odd jobs, but never staying for long. He realized he liked the countryside the best, and often spent lengthy periods of time in towns and villages, preferring ones that bordered the woods. He hoped that he might be able to find another iele someday, perhaps one to give him guidance, but his desire remained unfulfilled year after year. Loneliness began to settle within him, as he grew increasingly desperate for companionship. Although he had attempted to build lasting relationships with humans, his secrets and his fear of their impending death always drove him onward.

It was only after the World Wars that he considered he might stop disguising himself. After a stint at a steel mill, he took up performing dance as a woman, though often passed himself off as either gender according to his needs. The 21st century has allowed him a greater deal of fluidity in this, though he still prefers to go by Mihai. He thought perhaps it was fitting that he no longer uses the name his parents had bestowed upon him, expecting a human child who would grow old, marry, and die. Instead, he has become a wanderer, still drifting from place to place until he found his most recent residence in a city that seemed to be brimming with other creatures–supernatural, like him. Intrigued by this, he decided to settle down–for the moment, at least–and took up a job as a barista at a café, often putting his skills to use as a singer and dancer to earn the main bulk of his income.

Relationships:

• Lukas Iversen. The draugr who frequents the café where he works. He's taken a liking to Lukas (and it seems the feelings are reciprocated), and has, in some ways, taken charge of him to get him acclimated to the new century. Mihai is also considering abandoning his more comfortable flat (on account of a disagreeable roommate) and moving in with Lukas.
• Nikolai Draganov.
• List item 3

Other Things Worth mentioning:

• I'll think of somethin'.
• List item 2
• List item 3

[Hamish Stuart]

Name: Hamish Stuart
Creature: Grim Reaper - Angel of Death (at the bottom is a break down of what he is)
Alignment: Dark (views himself Neutral)
Reputation: 6
Actual Age/Looks: actual age: 4753 appearance: 27
Appearance:
Human guise:
Short red hair frames his face and rests against the nape of his neck but always seemed to jut out in all directions. No matter how much it is brushed the hair always has an untamed look to it as if he just rolled out of bed. His eyelashes and eyebrows are a darker shade of red making them stand out against his snow white skin. The pink dots on his natural form take the form of the many freckles covering the bridge of his nose and his cheeks. To blend better with the other humans eyes that would normally be ruby red in color appear to be a bottle green when in this form.

When in this form his eyes are usually forced into a squinted glare to make others feel intimidated by him but there is usually a playful smirk on his lips. Whenever annoyed that smirk usually turns to a scowl making his upset evident to those around him. If the ginger manages to trick someone it is often clear he is to blame as there will be a shit eating grin plastered on his face.

Creature:
A black hood covers an exposed skull making the iconic look of a grim reaper but blowing blue eyes appear to be made of blames and when the teeth open blue flames also glow from the back of his mouth making a ghostly appearance. Flames from his mouth often look like spirits trying to escape as it trails from his mouth. The black robes fuse into the withered flesh of the reaper’s back forming large spikes down his spine before turning to shadows around the hips covering the lower half in nothing but darkness. The entirety of Hamish’s chest is exposed save for a few thin pieces of the black robe that look around barely connected to the black spikes on his back. Unlike the usual skeleton appears of reapers Hamish has sickly gray skin covering his bones and clinging close to the skin showing off the muscles and bone structures below. The only skeleton structure without the gray flesh is a pair of bone wings that appear to have been stripped of all flesh. The wings appear to be more similar to a bat with two large hooks at the top allowing the wings to hook together in front of his chest. Human like hands have long fingers with nails reaching two inches passed the tip of his fingers and ending in sharp points. The nails are only a shade or two lighter than the gray flesh of the reaper. Smoke often surround the figure making darkness follow the creature about only making the flames in his skull appear to be even brighter than normal.

Personality Changes/Quirks:

• When he goes to deal with the newly departed Hamish has a bad habit of forgetting to drop his human disguise causing him to be seen around crime scenes a bit too often for the comfort of most. Usually gives the wrong impression to be seen around violent crimes.
  
  
• Likes to visit haunted houses to either laugh at how there is nothing even there or just see where the spirits that refused to pass on are now. It's like going to high school reunion expect no one is that excited to see you.
  
  
• Sometimes when faced with someone moments before passing Hamish will take form of a loved one to allow a peaceful pass. Taking the soul of someone accepting death is always easier.
  
  
• Sometimes he informs friends if they are going to kill someone that day but he never will give names just vague descriptions. If the person avoids killing the victim Hamish will just take the life himself.
  
  
• If walking barefoot he leaves foot prints of death when walking through grass. Even if someone did not witness him passing they can see his footprints left behind.
  
  
• Death of most beings are not enough to upset the reaper, unless he has grown close to the other he doesn't seem to mind. In some cases he likes loved ones dying if it's peaceful as they forever are by his side.
  

Abilities:

• Predict Death - If deaths around him are going to occur Hamish can know ahead of time and even can sometimes predict who should be responsible for the death. As every choice changes things he sometimes can be incorrect on who will kill this victim or even if the victim will die. The closer he is to someone the more likely he is to see the vision of their death when the time comes.
  
  
• Cannot Kill to Kill - Unless someone is already intended to die, be it by the hands or another or an accident, Hamish cannot take a life. His scythe only works on those who should be dead. Dodging death without the aid of another mythical being makes it so his scythe can do harm. Revival doesn't count as escaping death. If one were to be saved by another who was not aware of the predicted death they are saved from his scythe, if they only stop the death due to being informed then it is considered cheating death. Think of final destination.
  
  
• Teleportation - This only allows him to appear where a death has occurred allowing him to get anywhere in the world. If a death hasn't taken place he must use conventional means to get where he needs.
  
  
• Collecting Souls - Not all souls are willing but those willing to move on Hamish is able to usher to the after life.

• Flight -  His wings do have their use but do to not wishing for humans to notice him and the inability to use his wings when using his human form Hamish rarely flies. When he does choose to take flight the skeleton structure is filled with blue flames. When using a human guise his wings are kept tight but as there is nothing human they can take the form of if he were to fly the wings would be visible against mortal flesh.
  

Weaknesses:

• Many years of living on this world one would think the reaper would understand basic technology but he never seemed to get hang of things. Making a phone call? He's got it. Sending a simple text message? You've lost him there. It's only worsens if the text has something like lol attached. He will not understand it and end up pestering someone to learn the meaning.

• When angry he has a habit of killing the battery of anything he is touching. Reaping your cell phone or remote only make it all the more difficult to understand technology.
  
  
• Death is something most have to face and yet Hamish feels upset whenever he had to collect the soul of an animal. When he has to collect the soul of an animal that was killed he can't help but weep and sometimes doesn't want to do anything for the rest of the day.
  

Backstory:
Grim reapers, death usually are believed to once be a living person but if this were true Hamish has no memory if being anything more than what he is now. Even while a reaper he cannot even recall a childhood, he just felt he always has been as he appears now. At the beginning of his existence he wasn’t as skilled of a reaper, unable to deny his role he would simply appear where ever a death had taken place and try to coax the soul into passing. No matter what he was doing he always seemed to vanish and appear at a new location where a soul was waiting for him to reap them. During these times he was willing to do anything to appease the dead to assure each soul moved on sometimes causing him to spend days with a single soul.

As time went on Hamish began to choose where he wished to appear, picking deaths that he knew he could handle or deciding to live without having to run to each death as they happened. While he wished to aid souls in finding peace he understand not all are ready to pass on and trying to plead with these souls doesn’t do him any good.
Not being forced to the location of every death Hamish began to cause him to be able to predict who in the area would die making no know where to be to assure they did not cheat fate. Everyone must die at some point. Death is just a matter of fact for all living beings.

More than once during his time someone has made an attempt to arrest the reaper after catching him near a few too many crime scenes. The police usually end up questioning Hamish only to find nothing and not being able to get any DNA matches or a reason to keep the man in holding any longer. Over time the police just began to feel a cold chill whenever they saw the soulless ginger walking through the streets. It almost seemed they believed someone was about to die whenever the man was spotted.

Relationships: TBP

SPOILER: Click to show

The form of death I have put in place is a mixture of three different things: Cù Sìth, Bean Nighe/Banshee, and the modern idea death. Though the beings are very different I tried to mix them since it depends on the area of Scotland where you find each form being used so mixing them together along with his powers gives the reason different tales that are formed around his nation of different beings. The Bean Nighe is often seen as a ghoul, rarely seen as a beautiful form so mixing it with the skeleton that is the modern form of death the look of Hamish's true form is created. Being a creature that is seen washing the bloodied clothing of those destined to die the Bean Nighe also is able to tell someone three people who shall die, this is what bring Hamish's ability to predict death. Then there is the Cù Sìth, often labeled as death, known for being one to collect souls and bring them to the after life. While the form is of a green colored dog it is often noticed how similar it is to Bean Nighe. Being found where death occurs and moving the souls to the after life I decided to include into his powers. As the beings have vastly different looks and the Bean Nighe even being able to appear in different forms I found it made sense that he be able to change his form. The idea of death is always changing so to connect it to the changing idea I included ideas of the modern death, one wielding a scythe. All of these are similar and seem to be the same being but different forms seen throughout history.

[Francis Bonnefoy]

Name: Francis Bonnefoy
Creature: Vampire. Feeds on blood, but can also use other body fluid
Alignment/Occupation: Dark, but more leaning neutral. Has a job as a bartender in a bar on the main strip through town.
Reputation: 6
Actual Age/Looks: Actual age: 572, appears 26

Appearance: Francis usually wears whatever he feels like wearing. His blond hair flows to his shoulders, sometimes held back in a lose ponytail. He usually keeps his teeth hidden, looking like normal teeth to the everyday person. His eyes retain the same deep blue color that he had in life. His skin is a soft as if he never worked a day in his life. Though this is all when he’s showing his normal side. When he switches to showing his vampiric half, gone is the handsome man that could charm most anyone. His eyes maintain their blue color unless he’s using his powers a lot, or he’s on his way between hungry and starving.
Normal Vampire

Personality Changes/Quirks:
* Can’t eat normal food: His body can’t process normal food anymore, it literally makes him sick to his stomach. After all, if it can’t process it, there has to be some way to get it out of his body.
* Drinks blood: His food source. He can get all the nutrients he nods from blood, after all, it is a person’s life source. He doesn’t take enough to kill, but just to tire a person out enough to where they easily believe the suggestion that they either drank too much, as well as perhaps a roll in the hay. But can dilute out the blood with wine so he can drink it even around others to look as normal as he can and to extend the time he can go without biting a human.
Learning: Francis used to have a love of learning about different things about the world, these days however, he’s more just accepting of the past is what it is and there isn’t really anything he can do to change the present, so might as well let things be.

Abilities:
* Speed: Francis can move fast, faster than normal when he wants to. How better to sneak up on pray than in a blink of an eye.
*Strength. Francis has beyond human strength. He’s not the strongest, but he can lift many things that humans can’t.
*Hypnosis. Francis uses this with his pray. To lure them into a more easily state to be bitten. Then after, they are easily susceptible to suggestions off why they are tired and feel weird after Francis feeds on them. This is easier to use on weaker minds, stronger minds tend to put up more of a fight.
*Night vision: This one is almost a duh. For those that hunt at night, it is most beneficial to be able to see at night, even in the barest of lights.

*Enhanced durability: It is really hard to kill a vampire. Most injuries can be healed and quickly, or at least quicker than in normal humans. This could take minuets to a day or more, depending on the severity of the injury.

Weaknesses:
* Sunlight: Sunlight can kill Francis, burn him to death in a very short amount of time.
*Stakes: While not lethal, they can paralyze him, leaving him in a very vulnerable state, subject to anything that whoever staked him wants to put him through.
*Religious artifacts: While it isn’t the artifacts themselves that can hurt him, it’s the power associated with them. Metal is just metal, wood is just wood. But they are given power that radiates off of them by the belief in them.
*Fire: This one is almost a duh factor. Most things are susceptible to fire, that includes vampires. While he can sit by a fire, if he were stuck in one, he would be like anyone else.


Backstory: Way back when, when Francis was young, it was the era of balls. The nobility had balls for every event; birthdays, weddings, looking for someone to marry. These balls were plaything for Francis, there for his amusement only. It wouldn’t be anything for him to find a partner or so a night, letting himself be carefree and stupid, as young nobles commonly were. This one night though, he got involved in something he shouldn’t have. There was a mysterious lady attending a ball of a close friend, and she happened to lure him into an abandoned room with the promise of a night he wouldn’t forget. Well, that part came to pass. The only thing that he can remember is the night that he died. The next thing that he remembered was waking up ravenous. The next few weeks were a blur in his mind, attacking anyone that came in sight. It was only when a fellow vampire recognized that he was newly turned and out of control that they took him in and taught him. Slowly, he gained control back over himself and his hunger. It took a while, more than he cared to admit, but finally he gained control of himself enough to remerge back into the public. He took victims one by one, every few weeks. He was very careful to leave them alive, with no hint of what had happened to them.

Moving around every few years to keep from being discovered, he eventually found himself in this country, this place that seemed to have an excess of supernatural creatures. Deciding to settle in, he quickly found a job as a bartender. Discovering that this would be a good chance to find his victims, he was careful. He hated doing it, feeding off the drunk, but he had to survive in some way. He could only hope that he was keeping himself hid well enough so that he wouldn’t have to move again so soon


Relationships: *Hamish: These two are considered friends, as strange as it seems. They usually hang out and drink together; Francis with his blood wine, Hamish with regular.
*Ludwig. Has heard that he was a hunter, so is trying his best to avoid him, but it would be better if he knew what the man looked like.
*Nik: He doesn’t know of this half vampire, but there are rumors around of his existence. Of course those can’t be true, can they?
Other Things Worth mentioning: *Drinks wine with blood in it to help him not have to bite people as much. With this, he only needs fresh blood every few weeks.
*It has been at least three centuries since Francis had killed someone. He used to get lost in the bloodlust as it was harder to find a meal and he was starving more, but now he avoids killing as much as he can. Plus it’s hard to hide the bodies in this day in age.

[Arthur Kirkland]

Name: Arthur Kirkland
Creature: Human
Alignment/Occupation: Neutral / Shopkeep of The Retrouvius Society, a shop of antiques and eccentricities of the mysterious and occultish intrigues to humans. To mythics, it’s a hidden-in-plain-sight shop for items that they may or may not be more familiar with than the human populace. The shop tends to be more popular among mythics who either perform magic or regularly use items with magical properties or (on the darker side) magical items of mind altering substances that would be the equivalent of illegal contraband in the human world.
Reputation: 8
Actual Age/Looks: 23
Appearance:

Arthur is a rather bookish looking individual with his perpetually messy hair, the occasional push of his reading glasses whenever he’s cataloging, filling out paperwork, or reading, and the all-too-observant nature of his eyes. On occasion; however, he’ll comb back his hair in a neat fashion and wear the occasional stylish clothes if he’s going out. For the most part, he’s meant to look unassuming, as is the shop that he helps run with his mother and her mythic significant other. In the human world, they are simply an occult-ish looking shop that sells very strange odds-and-ends. In reality, they are one of the small bridges between the two worlds, serving both populations. In the mythic world, they service to them, obtaining rare items or selling dangerous trinkets that only happen to be dangerous if sold to the right person who knows how to utilise them. And, as such, Arthur favours the unassuming look. He does love his sweater vests, button ups, scarves, doc martins and coats.

Personality Changes/Quirks: In this version, while Arthur still retains his ruthless nature in the world of business and ability to make clever, strategic decisions, he is far softer in terms of his human vulnerability and lack of age-old experience as an average human being. Arthur is far dorkier in his fascination with legends, myths, and old text. He has a love for antiquity and is quick to learn all he needs to know about his wares and the creatures that he sells to. Everything else, personality-wise, will otherwise be the same.

Abilities: Resourceful – Being a rather effective businessman and having that willingness to meet any challenge through whatever means necessary, if there’s an item that is requested and it’s either a previously unknown item or the shop doesn’t carry it, Arthur is the sort who will go to great lengths to supply it to the customer. He has a reputation among the community to uphold, of course. And it’s this reputation that gains him quite a bit of business from both sides of the population. It has also been this reputation that has given him customers who need him to play a bit of the investigator and to at least find all he can about items that may have been previously lost to time or mysterious circumstances. As his business has grown, Arthur has gained more mythic employees with abilities that aid in playing the detective role as well as an increase in useful connections in the community. And he’s always willing to use them. It can sometimes play out as a bit of a game to him, a challenge if he’s able to uncover a certain item or rare curiosity.

Sensitivity/Sight – Although humans can’t truly have sight, there is something odd about Arthur, passed down from his mother and grandmother, that allows him to be rather acutely aware of mythics around him. It was a bit of an annoyance when he was a child and would be frightened out of seemingly nowhere of perfectly normal looking situations or individuals, but he learned to live with it the older he grew. His mother usually gains side business in the top floors of the shop as a human who provides otherworldly readings, given the amount of sight and perception that she already has.

Intelligence – A clever mind is not something to waste or to take lightly. Arthur has always been quick with his thoughts, quips, words, and solutions to problems. Even when situations, even potentially dangerous ones, have been thrown unexpectedly his way, he retains the ability to maneuver himself and utilise his environment fast so that he doesn’t get harmed or outwitted. There are other uses for his cleverness; however, from using it in business and making strategic decisions in how to best service to and deal with the mythics who come through his shop.

Ability to create connections – This has a more useful business element and it’s something that’s taken years and help from those who’ve passed the shop along to him, equipped with what has already been established. Arthur has connections in both the human and the mythic world that allow him to conduct business like he currently does. Most of this comes from his mother’s mythic significant other who mostly works behind the scenes to ensure smooth transactions and transitions of items of interest.

Weaknesses: Human vulnerability – Arthur has no real special, otherworldly abilities, and is thus physically vulnerable, particularly against the mythics. His body is vulnerable and soft in comparison, oh so fragile and easy to erase from the world. For all of Arthur’s inner strength, ambition, and striking arrogance, he’s wrapped in a delicate encasing, easy to break.

Possessiveness – He still retains his possessive nature, though it’s a dark streak in him that can get him into trouble. This possessiveness extends to all parts of him, from his reputation, business, to the people or otherworldly creatures that he comes to care about. Arthur’s feelings don’t come easily, and it usually surprises him when he feels them surface for someone, but when they do, they’re severe and have the potential to turn ugly. When he loves, he loves fiercely and no one else should dare interfere.

Addictive Tendencies – Although Arthur is very careful about staying away from the mythic substances that are both mind and body altering, taking on the philosophy that the dealer doesn’t ingest his own substances, he is certainly not as careful around his alcohol. Arthur has some very striking addictive tendencies and most are aware of his alcohol use. He’s also easily swayed into things such as cigarettes and the occasional dip into human-world substances. There are also process addictions that he needs to constantly watch himself in moderation, such as gambling, pleasure, and work.

Temperamental— This is a trait that endangers him, especially when he’s dealing with customers from both worlds who could easily retaliate against him for his argumentativeness, sharp words, and otherwise difficult nature. Matched with Arthur’s stubbornness and general lack of fear to allow his opinions and words to fall where they may, he needs to be careful with maneuvering his way through this unique world. Arthur has a general lack of fear when doing business with mythics and humans, which adds to his business savvy with not relenting through intimidation, but it also puts himself at a greater risk of being physically harmed if a deal doesn’t go his way.

Backstory: Arthur was born to a single mother who worked hard to provide for her and her son. Given that she had a penchant for interaction with mythics on a daily basis and had her own little shop that provided humans with her gift of insight through readings, she was able to make just enough. It wasn’t until she met her significant other, a mythic who identified as an Aes Sidhe, a visually stunning creature of Celtic origin. Normally of darker origin, he was smitten with his mother and treated her well. He also brought with him his half of his business, an illegal enterprise that dealt with dangerous and illicit substances of mythic origin that oftentimes have the same effect that illegal substances have on humans. He also brought with him friends of mythic origin who were able to obtain items that were greatly sought after by potential buyers. Together, the couple created The Retrouvius Society. It was Arthur’s mother’s idea to start servicing to humans, both to gain side income, but also to mask some of their darker dealings.

The couple moved in together at the top floor of their shop in the old district part of the city where there was a substantial amount of mythics living. Arthur grew up in this sort of household, completely aware of the existence of mythics and obtaining some knowledge about them and how they operate in the human world thanks to his pseudo father who practically raised him with his mother. He also had quite a few experience with various mythics that came through the shop and around the area. Having inherited his mother’s gift of sensitivity and sight, he was able to pick them apart from normal humans fairly well. One such experience at the age of six, happened in the alley a few blocks from his mother’s shop. It was dark and he had snuck out of his mother’s sight while she was busy in the shop, and being his curious self at the time, thought it a brilliant idea to explore by himself. He happened upon what seemed to be a person biting at another person’s throat. It wasn’t until the metallic scent of blood was noticeable in the air the closer Arthur drew and catching the creature’s attention, that he realised the situation. Being a young child and knowing that he’d happened upon a feeding vampire, he was rightly frightened. However, the creature simply looked at him and ran off far quicker than he could perceive. Regardless, that brief moment where their eyes locked is seared in his child’s mind, a moment and a face that he would be hard-pressed to forget.

As Arthur grew older, it became apparent that he had a talent for business and a mind for intrigue and challenge. After he went to university for a business degree, his mother started to teach him the ropes of the business and started handing him more responsibilities to that she could focus on her side business with readings and slowly start the retirement process. Now, at the age of 23, he is more or less the true head of the business, while the former owners, his mother and her significant other, have faded into the background, performing behind the scenes and gladly relinquishing responsibilities to someone younger and a potential heir to their fortunes.

Relationships:
Francis: He was the vampire that Arthur happened upon as a child in the middle of a feeding. It won't be until years later that they meet again, and with Arthur quite well aware of Francis's nature. He gives Francis business at the bar while Francis gives him business at his shop.

Mathias: One of his employees who works well with his more human clientele during the daytime hours. He's also rather strong, which makes him useful for carrying around and shelving some of the heavier items. Another one of his duties is delivering goods to customers who need it. Arthur takes pains to ensure that the man is safe from the more mythical clients whenever he's needed to deliver unique items. Overall, they have a solid working relationship.

Lukas: Another employee at his shop. Arthur is protective of his mythic employees and he ensures that they have just as much opportunity for making a living as any human working at his shop. These two also enjoy a good working relationship as well as a steady friendship.

Other Things Worth mentioning: TBD

[Roderich Edelstein]

 Doctor Roderich Dietrich Edelstein, PHD.

SPOILER: Click to show

music for this app

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Creature: Krampus, a type of Perchten.

Ein, Zwei und Drei!

Alignment/Occupation: “Lawful Neutral (yet a dark creature)” by his own terms, though he supposes his “victims” would probably find him positively demonic. In reality, he chooses who to punish and the punishment according to a set of morals he has worked out (and constantly adjusts). He’s a moral “monster” after all.

In his normal life, meaning the part of the year he doesn’t creep into houses to scare children, he is actually the head of the counseling department at a K-12 school, and has been a practicing psychologist for at least seven decades. He changes places every ten or so years as to not let the human population catch on that something was sure wrong about that Doctor/Mr.Edelstein (not his original name, though he has gone by it several times. Luckily, it's not uncommon) .

He uses his job with the school as a way to keep an eye on all children in the town, and meets with other district counseling heads to discuss new ways of dealing with the kids and perhaps pick up any problem children so he can visit them during the winter season.

He also has a time in his schedule dedicated to non-human patients who need therapy, but of course he doesn’t advertise that using regular channels.

Reputation: 3

Actual Age/Looks: 142 years of age, looks to be in mid-to-late twenties, though because he’s quite accomplished people assume he's older. In his legal documents he's 29. He's been working in this school for 5 years.

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Appearance:

AS A SCHÖNPERCHT

SPOILER: Click to show

Roderich's less utilized form due to the similarity between it and his human, as a schönperchten he is almost blindingly bright to human eyes. Dressed in white robes and with a calming aura, Roderich appears like some winter deity, gracious and almost pure, as the humanity is spoiled by the fact he retains his goat horns in this form, crowned with feathers and winter berries, and by horizontal irises. This form is almost blinding to humans (and occasionally non-humans), they will stand in awe, unaware of mostly everything but his presence, and even then his form is rather intoxicating. However, if the spectator possesses a strong mind, they can break out of the charm put on them. This is why this is a dangerous form for Roderich, as his facial features would be recognizable to those whose minds are unclouded. Thus, he only uses it as a momentary distraction when he has to flee from Hunters and has resolved to leave the region he was inhabiting. 

AS A SCHIACHPERCHT/KRAMPUS

SPOILER: Click to show

Also: x
Roderich's Krampus form, or the one he uses most often besides his human one. While the link to Satyrs and other horned-figures is justified, the resemblance isn't as identical as all the Krampuskarten (Krampus Holiday cards) believe. Roderich as a Krampus stands at over seven feet, with long dark fur covering his body, to the point where it almost obscures his cloven hooves. Both his nails (claws more like) and teeth are extremely sharp. His horns, while long, have only just started to curve back, which marks him as young for a Krampus, and anyone whose encountered his kind long enough would mark his age as less than 200. With his face obscured by short fur, the only almost recognizable feature in this form would be Roderich's eyes, and even they manage to be ghastly; his iris expands to the sclera and glows, while his pupils alternate between being slit horizontally (like a goat) and vertically, depending on his mood. He carries a bundle of birches with him on his rounds, for tradition/threats.[/font][/div]

AS A HUMAN


As a human, Roderich looks quite normal, like a man in his mid-to-late twenties, younger or older depending on his dress. He dresses quite traditionally for his job at the school, and everything generally appears well-tailored, even if technically Roderich still has clothes he's reusing from the 30s. There's nothing to indicate his species, unless one uses a small bell - then his pupils turn into horizontal slits.

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Personality Changes/Quirks:

Roderich's morals are quite hard for humans to rationalize - he's most definitely aware that his little revenge schemes/vigilantism aren't the correct or proper course of action to take when dealing with abused or neglected children, but considering the common course of action for Kramperl is beating/kidnapping disobedient children, he feels he's a very modern variant on the whole process. He rarely seriously harms the people he targets either - since he also notifies law enforcement/CPS, he wants little questions asked. It's more about scaring them. But his patience does have limits - even with children.

He's a strict disciplinarian - even if he eschews what he views as non-efficient methods of getting children to cooperate (corporal punishment, etc), he's by no means a slouch, especially towards the students under his care. If he's particularily worried, he'll be very present in your life.

Roderich considers himself a rather neutral being - even despite being classed as a dark creature mostly due to the schaichperchten form and his Krampus duties (which he sees as more bias in human minds). He has a job to do and will do it at all costs - Hunters be damned. He tends to not associate with many other creatures due to feeling it might invite trouble, though he still offers his services to creatures/magical humans since he feels that the community is sorely lacking good mental health providers. 

You can't be a Krampus and feel neutral about the holiday season - Roderich is very big on the Winter Holidays and perks up right around the time he has to make his rounds in earlier December (though he doesn't restrict himself to only the winter season).

Abilities: 

• In both non-human forms, Roderich is extremely strong, with the added bonus of being very large in the Krampus form. He's not used to having all that brawn, and so relies more on added speed along with force in that form if he has to fight someone. Of course the sharp teeth and claws help.

• His schonperchten form has a narcotic effect on those who see it - almost blindingly beautiful. The spell can be broken but it's very hard to do so. It also has some effect on the weather - he can't call down snowstorms, but it does get colder.

• He has a kind of intuition that helps him with his Krampus duties - usually centering on misbehaving children. 

• He's a very durable being - Kramperl aren't immortal but pretty damn close - it's extremely hard to hurt him, much less kill him. He's met Kramperl that figure their age around Caesar's conquest of Gaul, so they're at the very least long-lived. If hurt, he'll disappear and go somewhere to heal.

• Roderich's pretty experienced in evading capture - he knows how to avoid Hunters or deal with them, or with other beings that for some reason have it out for him.

• In contrast to his schonperchten form, the schiachperchten form has a fear effect on those who see it. It's less paralyzing than the blinding effect and merely stuns someone momentarily. 

• Because he uses quite a bit of illusions/manipulation himself, Roderich is very hard to trick with glamours or the like.

Weaknesses: 

• The sound of bells being rung. The sound of bell music can make Roderich back off and retreat, as it irritates/alerts perchten that they are needed elsewhere. It can also, to the quick and careful eye, identify him in his human form.

• Ruten - probably one of the few ways he can actually be hurt, but the ruten (bundle of twigs and branches he carries) he carries is actually harmful to him.

• Intense heat - He's a creature fond of the cold and while it won't kill him, being heavily furred does make him flammable, and that's a distraction enough.

• His human form is durable but not as much as the other's, and unlike his huge Krampus form or the quick, magical schonperchten form, he's just a scrawny school counselor in this one - so it's very easy to overtake him. Of course if he changes forms...

• Blessed silver chains cause him to break out in hives - which carries to his human form. Another way to identify him.

Backstory: 

Born in a Tirolean village nestled deep in the Alps in October, the year 1874, Roderich was born to a family of perchten - an Alpine creature that were originally followers of the Goddess Perchta, who led the Wild Hunt. His father was the local Krampus (there were others) and Roderich understood that at some point he'd live their beautiful mountain and find a place to continue his family's duties. He never questioned the Krampus job - it was natural for him, and bad children were a liability and deserved to be punished. Otherwise, he rarely felt disdain for humans - they were, after all, his duty. 

But the villages around them soon had less and less children born as people left the countryside to join the industrialization of the country. Roderich left his home to follow the humans in his late-teens, seeking a place for him to do as his father and his father's father before him.

He found, instead, a science. Life in the rural Alps had given Roderich little preparation for the splendor of a city like Vienna, with all the bustle and potential. He forgot his duty briefly, so distracted he was by other wants and ambitions. Specifically, he decided to do as the humans did and began a course of study so that he might support himself and pursue an intellectual life at the same time. Yet he understood that to do his 'Krampus' duties, he would need an occupation that involved meet children and so decided to become a doctor. 

It was while studying that he attended a lecture given on an emerging new field; psychology. Roderich became deeply fascinated with it and decided to study it alongside medicine. What fascinated him was the idea of how many problems faced by adults could be linked to their childhoods - he felt it useful for him as a Krampus to know what kind of affect he would have on the children he 'took care of'.

He never questioned his methods until another discussing psychology with another student led him to read up on a recent case. A boy had been beaten and starved until death by his parents and Roderich had come across the child in the past year, as a Krampus (the child had decided to pour boiling coffee on his mother's clothes and ruin his father's shoes). Horrified that something like that could have happened, Roderich began looking at his Krampus duties in a new light and the next time his rounds came, he observed the families of the children first to see if the child acting out was a reaction due to abuse. He found that quite simply, the children he had to punish were already being punished and that his meddling seemed to be just instilling fear and loathing in the children.

It was a hard thing to accept, that one's job was perhaps making the situation worse. Roderich thought long and hard about whether he wanted to continue his Krampus duties but eventually his nature won out. Just that victims would change. He changed course and decided to completely focus on child psychology, and punish neglectful or abusive parents rather than children. 

He opened up a psychology practice around the turn of the century and kept it open. For a couple years he did quite well managing both his 'human' life and his Krampus duties, even marrying a human woman completely unaware of his true nature. However, when war broke out, Roderich was conscripted to the battlefield (where he quickly showed more aptitude for treating wounds). Unfortunately he only managed to return to his home and wife after the war, when the whole continent was stricken with the Flu of 1918, including his wife. 

After burying his wife, Roderich decided to leave Vienna for the countryside, where he would be unknown and his lack of aging unnoticed. However, after moving two times (he found that ten years in a place was the better choice for him), he left Austria in the mid-thirties, unhappy with the political climate he found around him. He immigrated to a country with virtually no Kramperl, large and with plenty of towns that he could station himself in. The rest of the century generally flew by with very little trouble, save for having to spend the 60s and 70s avoiding a persistent Hunter who didn't seem to care that he was doing it for the children's welfare.

In the 00s, he came across a young boy who was being mistreated by his family, a boy named Johann. Strangely enough, the child took a liking to Roderich's Krampus form and refused to let him go. Unwilling to let such a small boy be swept by the foster system, Roderich relented and kidnapped the child, fleeing the town and covering his tracks so he could start a new life in a town and raise Johann while being head of counseling for the K-12 school in the town, a town with quite an active supernatural aspect to it.

Relationships: 

Johann Edelstein - Adopted Son - The child that wouldn't leave, Roderich's still not sure what impulse (was it the loneliness of the past century?) made him take the boy, but that's a moot point now that he's spent six years raising him. He's aware that once Johann's an adult, they'd need to limit contact and that he will probably outlive him, but Roderich rather not focus on things while Johann is still so very small.

Dean Vuldstein - Student - One of the older students assigned to him, Roderich takes an interest in this young man due to noticing that a hellhound, of all things, is following him around. That and he really needs to get his act together - delinquents do not do well as adults!

Marcello Vargas - Student - And this one barely attends! Roderich dislikes truancy as much as delinquency! Of course the young man in question seems to be more focused on the ladies than actually taking his future seriously, and Roderich has a feeling he might not be as human as he seems, but still under his care, and that means Marcello better at least try to attend school.

Liam Vilks - Student - A troublesome young boy who, despite passing his classes, also manages to constantly get into troubles and fights. Roderich has noted that he might need to investigate his home life. And preferably keep him from Johann, considering how impressionable he's afraid Hans might be.

Feliciano Vargas - Acquaintance - A charming young man Roderich met in a wine bar when dragged for a night out by his coworkers. Despite being rather surprised at being flirted with by such a suave man, Roderich managed to leave his brief encounter with the man's phone number. Now if only he can work the nerve up to call it?

Camille Canella - Student Another student of his that barely attends, to the point where Roderich keeps a very sharp eye out for her as he goes about his business. If he sees her he will immediately bring into his office.

Gilbert Rothschild - Former Student A former student of his from two towns and ten years ago, Roderich is quite surprise to have come across him - he had been a very difficult student back then. Still, doesn't seem like he's done too badly for himself, despite all those scars...


TBA

Other Things Worth mentioning: 

He only has intuition he's meeting other mythics, he rarely knows for sure unless he can read the signs easily. However he's come across all sorts in his life and so he generally knows how to deal with them.

[Gilbert Beilschmidt]

Name: Gilbert Rothschild
Creature: Human
Alignment/Occupation: Neutral (Varies between Lawful and Chaotic with all the in between) /Hunter
Reputation: 2
Actual Age/Looks: 23
Appearance:

Personality Changes/Quirks:
*Can be a bit more of a hardass, so to speak. He has less tolerance for bullshit when on the job. If hes gonna ask you questions, he wants the truth.  Hes more willing to help people that are telling him the truth of the matter.

*Shades of Gray: In this world he has come to learn that light is not always good, and dark is not always evil. People use that as an excuse to act a certain way, so he tries his best not to judge things on face value alone. That said, if you try to attack him, hes not stoping to ask questions first.

* Doesn't trust easily: There really no one he trusts fully, not even the hunters who taught him how to hunt. After all, whats to stop the hunter from being hunted.

* Pretty little liars: While he likes people to tell the truth, and does the best to do so himself, he full out lies when the situation calls for it. After all, what kind of a job is being a hunter but finding the truth and getting rid of the creatures that are truly evil, all while covering your back to not get hauled in by the authorities for killing the kindly neighbor who couldn't have possibly killed three people.

Abilities:
* Quick intelligence: Hes able to think on the fly. When going after creatures that plan on killing you, thinking on your feet can mean the difference between a scratch across your chest and a beheading.

*Good with weapons.: There are a few hes really good with, like his guns or his knives, but he hasn't met one yet he hasn't at least tried to master... those throwing knives though... don't ask what happened to his boots.

*Agile: You have to be able to  move quickly in order to outmaneuver some of the creatures hes fought.. in this case, he combines it with his intelligence.

Weaknesses:
*Mortal: Fighting creautes, being a human really sucks. Some of these creatures won't go down unless hit in the right area... multiple times. Him though.. get in a good enough hit, you can take him out for good.

*Stubborn.: This is one stubborn man. Hes hard to change his mind about sometime. He doesn't trust someone, hes never going to trust them, no matter how many times they prove it.

*Cute things: The cute monsters really are a problem for him. He knows a cute face can hide a heart as black as coal and twice as evil, but something in him just has problems dealing with these creatures as anything other than cuties.

*Pride. This can almost be counted as stubborn, but he is a very prideful individual. He likes to do thinks himself, refusing help when he needs it. After all, if he lets someone help, hes letting someone in closer who can stab in him in the back.

Backstory: Gilbert was born to a woman he never knew. This was never a bad thing for him, he just grew up with his dad, constantly moving from here to there. He liked meeting different people, and learning about all the interesting things his dad tried to teach him with the stories that he never believed. He humored his father when he tried to teach him about the creatures that he spent years researching, for that was what he did, he researched them and tried to learn the many secrets of the two worlds. Most people thought he was a bit crazy, but he was still Gilbert's dad. He also had many problems in school, what with people making fun of his looks and the fact most considered his dad crazy. He was required to see the council for a lot of the fights he got into when he stayed in a town for many years, more than he had spent anywhere really.

One day came, when Gilbert was in his early teens when something happened that would change his life forever. He came home from his normal classes for the day to find the door of his hinges. Carefully creeping inside, he saw something... something he didn't learn about anywhere standing over his father. Gasping, he backed against the door as the creature turned on him. It advanced slowly, saliva dripping from its maw as Gilbert reached around to find something. He got his hand on a gun when he had to dive out of the way to avoid the teeth and claws that were aiming for him and he shot instinctively.  Three shots from the gun straight to the creatures chest killed it.  But it was too late, his father had been killed.

Two people were perplexed when they arrived there an hour later to see this teen sitting there, holding his fathers head in his lap as the creature laid on the floor. After an explanation, abet a short one, he went with the couple and watched as they touched the house... a warriors pyre for a man who fought so hard to protect his family.  It was also a way to kill the creature.  But before they left, Gil grabbed his dads books, knowing they would come in handy some day. Those books held many secrets.. including the information about  who his mother was.

Relationships:
*Ludwig: Needs plotting
*Rodrich: Old middle school councilor of his.. always thought there was something off about the man.
*Kiku: An adoptive familiar, of course, no ones is quite sure who adopted who here.  He takes care of Kiku with feeding and a place to sleep, friendship and safety.  And in return, Kiku provides him information and helps to take care of Gilbert as well.


Other Things Worth mentioning:
*Familiar: This isn't a true familiar by any chance, but this bird will not leave him alone most times. He doesn't think its magical, just a random bird that doesn't know its life is in danger by being around him.

*Iron cross: His father always told him to have it with him, so he wears it around his neck as a memory of his father and his past. He doesn't know what its made out of, hes afraid to find out really.

*Many a hunter has thought that he might be a creature or at least have some creature blood in him due to his appearence, which is a bit beyond normal, but so far no one has tried to kill him for it yet.

[Kiku Honda]

Name: Kiku Honda
Creature: Nekomata (Cat demon)
Alignment/Occupation: chaotic neutral
Reputation: 0
Actual Age/Looks: Actual age: 753 (appears to be 25)

Appearance: Kiku often assumes a human guise when out and about. There is little that would distinguish him from a normal human in this form. Occasionally, if the light hits his eyes in just the right angle, they may relect like a cat’s would, but otherwise it’s a near perfect disguise. Kiku’s true form is that of a black cat with amber colored eyes. He looks rather unremarkable in this form as well. The only give away that he’s more than the average house cat is the fact that he has two tails.

  

Personality Changes/Quirks:
* Kiku tends to be a bit more lax in this AU, enjoying long naps and lounges in the sun when not on any cases. 
* He gets very bossy when worried about those in his care
* He's very loyal to those who take care of him, but it takes a great deal of trouble to earn his trust.

Abilities:
* Shape-shifting: Kiku was a cat initially, as he gained Yokai status he gained the ability to shift into human form. As a human there's little that distinguishes him from a
non-Mythic.

*Fire: Kiku can summon fire, mainly to divert or intimidate. The fire itself isn't particularly strong or destructive but can be used to beat a hasty retreat.

*Necromancy: A trait common to Nekomata, Kiku can reanimate recently dead bodies. Depending on how recent the death occurred, he can even bring back glimpses of consciousness in order to glean information about their last moments.

*Extended lifespan: Nekomata have long lifespans, and while they are hardier than cats or humans, they can be killed with conventional means

Weaknesses:
* Iron: Injuries inflicted using iron tend to cause more damage to him than other weapons and he's slow to heal from them

*Tuna: He's weak to all fish, but if you want to bribe him, bring tuna.

*Being alone: it's been a long time since he'd been a little house cat, abandoned by his master, but the memory of it still rankles at him. The idea of finding someone he is loyal to and losing that person is a major motivator for Kiku. He doesn't trust people easily, but when he does, they can be a great weakness as he will go to great lengths to protect them.


Backstory: Kiku was house cat, living in Japan long before the country had opened its door to the outside world. He lived in a noble home and was well cared for by the family that resided there, however, due to the superstitions of the time, he was taken out into the wilderness and left for dead after his 13th birthday. Kiku's bitterness over his abandonment took root, and he began the transformation into a Nekomata. In the beginning, he let the bitterness and anger rule him, and he terrorized humanity (and the humans who caused his transformation.) As he grew older he began to grow more sympathetic towards humans. He stopped preying on the innocent and took on the role of observer, of bystander. He began to help humans to protect them against mythics, mainly to improve relations between humans and mythic. 


Relationships:
*Gil: His current home, he supplies the hunter with valuable information regarding mythics and accompanies Gil on his hunts. He likes Gil and wants to trust him but he's scared to rely on a human entirely.

Others: TBD

Other Things Worth mentioning:
TBD

[Mathias Kolher]

Name: Mathias Kohler
Creature: Human
Alignment/Occupation: NEUTRAL
Reputation: 1
Actual Age/Looks: 25


Appearance: He's a rather tall individual, and his spiky hair only makes him seem taller. He usually wears a pair of jeans with a t-shirt and a hoodie with that.

Personality Changes/Quirks: As a human living in a world with mythics, many things that shouldn't be normal to a human are considered normal by Mathias. He does know that weird things happen in his town, but he just thinks his town is just a magnet for weird people who do odd things. Whats so weird with that. He minds his own business and keeps out of others problems. Working for Arthur though, he has met some weird characters and he has learned an even more important trait of never ask questions. His dumb facade is just that, a facade, but it protects him from things he doesn't want to know about. He is more serious though, knowing he can't crack jokes at certain times, but he is still the loveable man who would go out of his way to help injured animals.

Abilities:
*Strong: He's physically strong , but its still within normal strength for a human.
*Iron will: He's very strong of will, he'll keep himself believing in something until he has to change his mind, like the fact that supernatural are all around him.

Weaknesses:
* Sharp object:  He's human, anything sharp that can hurt him, can hurt him. Avoid things that can hurt him.
*Cute things: He has a soft spot for things that are cute, hes not obsessive, but he'll stop to pet animals and might take a few strays home.
*Unaware: Mathias is almost purposely ignorant of the supernatural world around him. In fact he usually goes out of his way to explain the unexplained in ways that make sense to humans. This could end up hurting him one day.

Backstory: Mathias was born to normal parents in a not quite normal town. There was nothing to set this guy apart except he was always cheerful .. maybe too cheerful. He hated seeing his friends upset, and he always tried to make sure they were alright and tried to fix everything. In short, he annoyed many people. But he couldn't help it, it was just in his nature. He wanted people to be happy. He knew he could have a temper at times, but he knew how to handle it. There wasn't nothing he excelled at, except axe work really, but who needs a wood cutter in woods that weren't supposed to be cut down... local superstition you know.  That's how he got a job in Arthur's shop being a jack of all trades for the man.

Relationships:
*Arthur: His current boss. He helps run the store for the more... normal customers during the day and he helps with stocking the heavy objects. Sometimes he acts as a delivery man for the people who don't want to venture to the shops... just the people who don't like crowds is all.  And sometimes he acts as the man to get the delinquent payments for people who refuse to pay for the items they already agreed a set price on. He doesn't understand why Arthur makes him carry odd objects with him when out on these missions, but what else could he expect of a shop owner who sold such a... unique... myriad  of object. What would a bottle of water stop besides the thirst?

*Lukas: Another worker at Arthur's shop that he has come to know. His goal is to one day make the man smile. Though he doesn't realize that he's taken Lukas home before in his cat form.  Really, hes got a bit of a crush on the guy. 

Other Things Worth mentioning:
*Has kept himself purposely unaware of the magic and mythical, he doesn't want to know, its best left untouched.
*Probably knows it deep down, but won't admit it.. might be a heavy case of denial.
*Can be mean with the customers he needs to get money from, usually because they threaten him, he threatens right back. Honestly, it would probably surprise some people at his quick change in attitude. 

[Matthew Williams]

Name: Matthew Williams
Creature: Vampire
Alignment/Occupation: Dark because of what he is, but tries to live neutrally. He is also enrolled in some night classes to keep up on important topics of the changing times, & makes money tutoring fellow students in a variety of subjects.
Reputation: 1
Actual Age/Looks: 565 but he’d stopped physically aging at the age of 19.

Appearance
Matthew looks pretty much the same as he normally does—same shoulder-length, wavy blond hair; same periwinkle eyes—and thankfully, becoming a vampire hasn’t made him noticeably any paler. When considerably thirsty though, or when straining to enthrall someone, his eyes will become red. His fangs will also tend to elongate on their own if he’s gone too long without feeding and a potential food source is close by enough to tempt him. Revealing his vampiric traits is also something his kind can do at will, usually to reveal what they are and/or to instill fear or intimidate deliberately.

Personality Changes/Quirks
-Matthew is extremely well-mannered, though he’s learned to tone it down a little from the old ways to blend in better with those his perceived age.

Abilities
-Enhanced Speed: Much like any other vampire, Matthew’s reaction time/reflexes are faster now than they used to be back when he was human. He can also move much quicker, making getting out of dangerous situations or gaining an edge on a slower-moving enemy easier.
-Night Vision: Since night is prime time for vampires to be out & about, it makes sense that his eyesight has been altered by turning to better accommodate seeing in low light.
-Enhanced Strength: Not that Matthew would accidentally hurt anyone due to not knowing his own newfound strength since he was rarely one to put much force behind his actions before, but he’s more than capable of holding his own if attacked, now.
-Enthrallment: This power involves a calm, confident assertiveness, to look into someone’s eyes and be able to convince them not to make a sound, and to pass the after-affects of feeding off as fatigue due to some other excuse. Both gaze & words were somehow laced with magic, compelling obedience. Matthew’s gotten much better at successful enthrallment thanks to five centuries worth of needing to use it here & there, but he failed miserably for a long time in the beginning, lacking the confidence.
-Hardier: Vampires can take a beating before going down. Matthew, despite his somewhat lanky appearance, is no exception.
*Sharp Senses: As a result of having grown up rather sensitive to changes in his environment, Matthew’s sense of hearing and smell are a tad sharper than the average vampire’s. He’s able to detect if there’s any blood in the air over a slightly greater distance, for example.

Weaknesses
-Sunlight: It burns his kind. He’d be able to heal if only exposed for a few seconds, but prolonged exposure is lethal.
-Stakes: These have a paralyzing effect on his kind, so being struck with one or multiple is not good.
-Religious Artifacts: Matthew’s not really sure what it is about them that makes him feel like he should be wary, but he tries to avoid them.

Backstory
Back when he was human a handful of centuries ago, Matthew lived a rather comfortable upper-class life with his parents & Francis, his older half-brother. He wasn’t as taken with the extravagant balls of that time as his brother, not being all that confident at dancing or flirting, but he still attended some from time to time for appearances sake. In fact, he’d been at the ball that had been his brother’s last, but he’d thought nothing of Francis disappearing after spending some time dancing around the ballroom with an unfamiliar, beautiful woman. It wasn’t unusual for his brother to leave such events early sometimes, when he found enjoyable, good-looking company who were also tired of formalities & wanted to unwind.

What was unusual was Francis not returning home or being seen in the days following that ball. When days became weeks & weeks became a few months, it became clear that he might not be found. Matthew clung to the hope that he would be, & actively searched for him in the streets by day when he could.

Eventually he began trying to look into the young woman he’d seen Francis with last, turning up frustratingly little but enough for his investigating to have been noticed by her. She ended up tracking him down before he could discover that she was vampire, & probably noticing his resemblance to Francis (whom she had turned the night of the ball months ago), she thought it’d be amusing to attack him too but leave him to turn as well.

Coming to from that encounter with a much more gruesome thirst than he was used to, Matthew ended up going through a couple cycles of draining people dry in out-of-control attempts to sate himself & hiding away hating himself afterwards. It took a familiar & dearly missed person happening upon him one night & intervening to break the cycle, and that person was Francis. He’d gotten a bit of a handle on his vampire state by then, & was able to help guide Matthew into adopting better habits, after ensuring he properly fed & regained a decent state of mind. After all, Mattie had attacked him on sight that night they’d reunited, having been so blinded by hunger that he hadn’t registered who it was in his path & that the other was a fellow vampire with blood that would do little to curb his cravings.

Once Matthew also had his instincts more or less under control, the brothers focused on doing their best to blend in over the centuries & stay alive, moving from place to place as necessary to keep their secret. They were also determined not to be driven to the point of taking a life to feed, if they could help it.

Relationships
-Francis: They’d only shared the same mother and were thus only half-brothers, but they came to barely acknowledge the half part thanks to centuries of being one of the few constants in each other’s life. Matthew looks up to him a lot, glad to have had him as a mentor of sorts and support in everything since their turning. 

Other Things Worth Mentioning
-Matthew’s followed his brother’s example of drinking blood-infused wine, to reduce how often he’d need to feed from random people. Like Francis, if he gets this alternative as planned, he can go a few weeks before needing the fresh stuff. Around that point, the blood wine will start not curbing the craving.
-Also like Francis, eating regular food causes him to feel ill. Their bodies don’t need digestive processes anymore because they get their nutrients from the blood of others. He’ll therefore try to pass on food if with people, but he’ll swallow it down if he must to keep up appearances (only to be sick later).

[Ludwig Beilschmidt]

2P!GERMANY

Name: Johannes "Hans" Schmidt (formerly Lutz Wisenbaker)
Creature: Lycanthrope-Werewolf (a human that transforms into a wolf-beast during the full moon)
Alignment/Occupation: Dark
Reputation: 5
Actual Age/Looks: 21/21
Appearance:

(art by the creator/owner of the 2PGermany -Lutz Beilschmidt -- on Tumblr )

Little has changed from Hans’ typical appearance, but he does come across as a bit more 'rough' or ragged. Typically, he dons a bit of a five o'clock shadow and some stubble, but he's also been known to let things get a little out of hand in the form of a light beard and longer hair. He also has "LIVE" and "LIFE" tattoed on his knuckles. His Werewolf form has little differences from that of any other lycanthrope. However, rather than dark fur, his has more of a golden to light blonde hue (similar to his actual hair color), which makes him a bit easier to identify in that form. His eyes always maintain a more purple hue, but as a wolf, they are easily mistaken for a reddish color if hit by the light in just the right way.

Personality Changes/Quirks:
* He is a bit more cautious around people he doesn’t know —Especially if they have an odd smell about him

* Animals are scared of him and will either run or try to attack, depending on their disposition. Most dogs will tuck tail and whimper or growl and snap at him. Cats avoid him outright.

* Rarely invites people home, since it smells of dog and can’t exactly blame the smell on having a pet... so usually he’ll ask to go to a motel or back to their place.

* He may be more of a Lone Wolf sort of guy, but if the urge hits, he’s not entirely opposed to turning someone to be with him (or just because), or joining a small group of his kind...

* He used to despise and hate himself for this curse, but has recently come to embrace it. He still hates the jerk that gave him lycanthropy, however, and would love nothing more than to kill them.

*Typically more aggressive around 'mating' season

Abilities:
+ Heightened senses - as a Werewolf, his senses are more acute and he is able to smell, see, and hear things most humans can’t
+Strength/Speed/Hardiness - He is stronger and faster than a normal human, and such abilities are enhanced in wolf form and around the time of a full moon. He's also a bit harder to kill in wolf form by usual means and has a bit more resistance as human as well.
+ Hot-Blooded- not just a foreigner song, but also his usual state. Upon becoming a Werewolf, he’s got a higher core temperature and is a bit more hot-natured.
+ Turn Wolf - in wolf form, a single bite can cause a human to contract lycanthropy, but in the guise of a man, his blood must be mixed with that of someone else if he wishes to turn them.

Weaknesses:
- Wolfsbane - toxic and dangerous to even humans and animals, wolfsbane can be used to harm Werewolves, repel them, cure them, and even stop/reverse a transformation. The latter is highly painful to endure.
- Silver - this metal can cause discomfort and mortally wound him if he is injured with it, but typically, if it is laid against his skin when he is a man, he’ll develop a moderate allergic reaction to it.
- During/Post-transformation - As Hans transforms, he is in a great deal of pain as bones break and his body stretches to accommodate his lupine form. It would be easy to harm him during this time. Additionally, after transforming from wolf to man, his body is sore and his energy is low, forcing him to take time to recover. He also suffers from a painful nervous depression.
- Mortal Wounds - werewolves are hardy, but not impossible to kill by normal means. Beheading him will kill Hans just as much as the next person.
- Control - he is not a pure blood, but was instead bitten by a rogue wolf when taking a shortcut. As a result of his impure lineage (not being born into it or willingly turning without a bite), it is sometimes more difficult for him to control himself and his urges during the full moon.
- Say my name - Saying one’s Christian name three times in a row is rumored to cure lycanthropy in some parts of Germany. Hans might rip your throat out before you finish, however.

Backstory: 

SPOILER: Click to show

{TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF DRUGS ALCOHOL SEX VIOLENCE & SUICIDE; CLICK TO READ}
Lutz did not have an extravagant childhood. All things considered, it was just a typical youth--he was bullied a bit as a child and turn from that into a toughened and rebellious teen. During those teen years, alcohol, sex, and drugs were highly prevalent for him--much to his parents chagrin. But they could do little to keep him from sneaking out of the house and joining a few other ne'er-do-wells at popular hangouts near the woods around a bonfire or in the belly of an abandoned building downtown.

One night, on the way Home from a little party and a short trust with a girl he met from a club, Lutz, inebriated, decided to take a shortcut through a different part of town. He’d never had an issue walking alone before, not that anyone was usually around those parts anyway, but this night proved to be a little different.

Nearly a quarter of the way and with a bottle of Jäger in hand that he was nursing, he was taken by surprise. A large black figure crossed his path, swiping at him with a harsh growl and knocking him aside and into a wall. Had it not been for the creature’s haste to esca E and his own inability to get up and confront the beast, Lutz would have been as good as dead. Instead, he was knocked out for a few hours and then taken to intensive care by one of his friends that had come across his path. He spent a while in the hospital and at home recovering from a concussion and the three deep scars that were left by the monster. Everyone was convinced it was some sort of frightened bear from the woods and dismissed it as such... until Lutz started feeling more ill than he had. Everything hurt—bright light and loud noises irritated his senses and he couldn’t stay around sharp, pungent smells for log without wanting to vomit. Furthermore, he was so inexplicably sore and it felt like his actual bones were aching... still, the effects were not enough to keep him from going out with his 'friends' or from entertaining a little tryst or two.

Had he known what was going to happen, he would have locked himself up, but he didn't. After meeting with a few people at the abandoned shacks near the edge of town for a little fun, he excused himself to the bushes to 'take care of a little business' due to an upset stomach. However, the pain persisted and as the minutes passed, it became even more excrutiating. It wasn't until one of the others heard his cries of pain due to his first transofrmation that they had thought to go and check on him. One person was elected to check on them while the others stayed behind to drink. In a flurry of confusion, pain, and feral instinct, Lutz turned on the youth as they approached, their calling out and footsteps betraying their position. He attacked them then and there, ripping into their throat with his teeth as he held them down. His shouts and Lutz's snarls had alerted the others and they came running. And then they stopped and screamed and took to running again. The hunting instinct and prey drive within Lutz beckoned him to take chase and he caught one and eviscierated them while the other three escaped back into civilization.

The next morning, Lutz found himself deep within the woods, naked and covered in blood. The memories were fresh in his mind, though distorted at best. As he made his way back home, however, he came across the carnage and his clothes that had been torn. The police would be there soon, he knew, and salvaging the only article of clothing he could still wear--some very ripped jeans--he ran until he came to another town. And then another..and another. He laid as low as he could, cleaning himself in streams and gathering discarded clothes that barely fit. He was scared and angry all at once.

One night, in the silence of an old building he had taken refuge in with a few other low-lifes, he couldn't stop thinking about it all. He had an inkling of what had become of him and he hated it. Hated that he had done what he did to his friends and that he had been unwilling turned into this...monster. He knew he couldn't go back, and if he turned himself in, his life was basically over anyway. He had managed to get ahold of a .22 pistol and decided he'd act on his thoughts. Just...end it. It took him three times over the span of six months to even pull the trigger, and when he did, his shaking hands caused him to misfire. Rather than planting a bullet in his brain, the projectile cut into the outrer flesh of his left cheek and up to his eye, leaving him with a scar that he had to suture himself.

It took him three years to come to terms with his 'curse' and though he still struggles, he accepts it more now. Seeing no use of his old life, he changed his name and began to move elsewhere in order to start over--properly. Thus, he has found a home in this strange city of hunters, humans, and fellow mythics.

Relationships:
+ Hunters - They can all just go to hell. He has never met one that he trusts for obvious reasons. He’d rather just kill them and be done with it if they insist on bothering him.
+ Antonio - Friend with benefits. They are both afflicted with the same “curse” and get along well... especially during the winter.
(more to plot)

Other Things Worth mentioning:
* the recently deceased taste delicious
* In Italy, France and Germany, it was said that a man or woman could turn into a werewolf if he or she, on a certain Wednesday or Friday, slept outside on a summer night with the full moon shining directly on his or her face.
* Medieval remedies included using wolfsbane as a cure, surgery, or exorcism. Usually, the “patient” ended up dead... otherwise conversion to Christianity was said to help as was devotion to St. Hubert.
* Works full-time in Construction
*His new name is literally just the German version of "John Smith". lol
*Was 18 when he was turned