Character(s) A Codex of Characters

[MurderPenguin]

Various characters that I have for various roleplays. Some are for modern/urban fantasy or supernatural settings. Others are for fantasy settings in their own worlds. Pinterest boards offered for those that have them. If any of my characters catches your eye, please don't hesitate to reach out and give me a nudge. I promise, I don't bite (much).

 

[MurderPenguin]

The Scarred Mage
​

Birth Name: Taliesin Ashwing
Current Name: Corbyn Helbis
Nicknames/Aliases: Tal, Tali, Archmage, Corby, Old Grouch (by most anyone), The Blind Bastard (if you're going to be rude about it…)
Age (Appearance): late 30s to early 40s
Age (Actual): mid to late 50s, possibly early 60s
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Relationship Status: Single
Mental state: Stable if slightly bitter
Physical State: Relatively healthy; some minor aches around his joints
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Current Job: Alchemist/Enchanter (Owner of The Tenth Ring)
Religious Beliefs: Follower of the Mother and the Father (much like Zeus and Hera from Greek Mythology, except the Mother is less vindictive and willing to turn a blind eye)
Night Owl or Early Bird?: Burns the midnight oil and is up at the crack of dawn
Drinking?: Yes; depending on the mood he's in WHEN drinking determines the kind of drunk he is (for the most part, the idiot/fool type)
Preferred Alcoholic Drink: Silver Archer (A sparkling white wine with a bit of a bitter aftertaste), Minted White (A refreshing sparkly white wine infused with mint), Duskwine (An extremely dark red wine infused with herbs that relax the senses)

Spoiler: Physical Info

Complexion: Lightly tanned to medium with a faint sprinkling of freckles across the nose
Eye Color: Gray (blind)
Hair Color/Style: Dark blonde to light brown, long, past his shoulders; tends to keep it in a loose ponytail
Height: Somewhere between 6' and 6'3 (likely closer to 6'1 ½)
Weight: 185 lbs
Visible Scars/Other Markings: Though not visible, he has multiple scars on his body, as well as intricate tattoos on his chest, arms, and legs of his father's clan sigil (pale blue and faded in color)
Languages spoken: Common, Elven (both current and archaic, Demonic/Abyssal/Infernal, Angelic/Celestial
Voice Profile: Low and rough, almost growling: Tal's voice is one that is not easy to ignore. He has a habit of adjusting how he talks depending on the person. To those from larger cities, he speaks like a nobleman, with a slight accent and clipped tones. To those from other villages, he speaks like the locals, in a smoother tone. Either way, there is always a hint of impatience and bitterness to his voice, though he makes the effort to reign it in on occasion.
Clothing Style: Tal tends to dress like he's a commoner or a merchant: that is, simple cotton tunics and pants, leather boots, and a belt around his waist. Finishing out his clothing is a set of leather bracers that cover from the tips of his fingers to the middle of his forearm and a cloth blindfold for his eyes.

The half-elf has a tendency to dress as if he's poor: he favors old tunics and pants over the fine linens and silks of his childhood. He favors his father, in terms of height, but gains his coloring from his mother's side of things: slightly tanned with a light smattering of freckles across his face, gray eyes framed by long, dark lashes, an expressive face accented by the high cheekbones of the elven people. His hair is a mix of light brown and dark blonde, usually left to hang loose around his face and just past his shoulders. Slightly pointed ears are hidden underneath his hair, though he is not ashamed of his elven background. Indeed, he is quite proud of his elven blood, though whether or not his people are proud of him remains to be seen.

Years of adventuring has left him with a slightly muscular build, though this is typically hidden underneath his clothes. When he walks, he favors his left side a bit, as if some old injury causes him some pain. In truth, he relies on an arcane prosthetic for his left leg, having lost most of it years ago, in an accident of some kind. The new limb was gifted to him by a close friend, though he will not speak their name and will deflect the conversation, if asked.

Tal has certain things that he wears, no matter the circumstances. The first is the Ashwing amulet: a simple circular disc with a small, sapphire gem, surrounded by wings. Second, his father's bracers: these are simple leather with a design of leaves and vines. They had been left with him when Modyn went on his expedition. Finally, a set of simple rings, mostly made of iron. These are enchanted rings, created by Tal himself.

Spoiler: Psyche

Likes: Books and reading – fresh brewed tea – being left alone – children and their innocence – animals (particularly dogs and cats) – having something to do (being busy) – a nice, hot meal – warm days and cools nights – discovering new uses for his herbs – gardening – helping others – a pretty face (specifically, a woman's pretty face) – exploring new places –
Dislikes: Anyone asking about his past – cold tea – being bothered too much – having nothing to do – cold food (unless he forgets about it: that's his own fault) – cold days and warm nights – bandits – those that would take advantage of others – thieves – liars – bounty hunters – being sick and unable to do anything – clingy women
Strengths: Tutoring from the best teachers of the kingdom (both magical and non-magical schooling), focused attention when it's needed (such as when searching for something), adept at reading people and judging whether or not they are worth his time, determined to protect his little part of the world, adept at enchantment and alchemy as well as casting spells
Weaknesses: Tends to become too focused on something and will lose track of time, horrible people person (doesn't make friends too easily), impatient and irritable at the smallest things, doesn't care much for the outside world (save for any possible news about his father or uncle), isn't too interested in "taking his place in the world of nobles"
Injuries and Scars: Tal has a number of scars on his body: around the middle of his chest and just above it are very different scars. One is from arcane damage that he took while the others just above it are knife wounds that he obtained in his adventures. Then there are the obvious injuries that no one really talks about: the artificial leg that's held together by arcane workings and the sightless eyes that he was not born with. Neither one of them are talked about, save that he was a foolish person in his youth and he has learned from that.
Strongest Desire: To find his father and his uncle (to find peace)
Darkest Secret: Tal dabbled in dark magic when he was younger. He had heard whispers calling out to him during one of his lessons and had ignored it for until the end of the lesson. Eager to find what it was, he traced the source to an old book that his master had. Over weeks and months and a couple years, Tal devoured the book and built on what he learned. Eventually, he thought himself powerful enough to cast an unknown spell from the book. It backfired in a spectacular way, though he was the only casualty of the backfire. This is what cost him his sight: his own foolishness and eagerness to prove himself to others.

Tal will be the first person to admit that he's not easy to get along with. Set in his ways, he prefers things to be done a certain way and will snap at someone if they steer him off-course. For the most part, he is quiet and detached, having little to do with those around him unless he is approached first. He doesn't give in to his feelings often and prefers to keep how he feels to himself. His books and his work are his constant companions.

Years of adventuring has left him cautious and a bit wary of anyone that he perceives as "new". He has learned that not everyone can easily be trusted and earning his trust is a difficult matter. Those that have some magical talent are easier to trust, in some ways, but he doesn't automatically trust them right away. Given time and patience, he does trust, provided that they have done nothing to scorn that trust.

Tal himself is not a patient person and tends to be blunt when asked for advice. He doesn't hold back- most of the time- and will often say what's on his mind. The only person he could ever have patience for is an apprentice: one that's come to him for tutelage in the arcane. Someone that is willing to learn and proves that they have the time- and patience- to be his pupil.

Tal can also be rather charming without realizing it, much to the amusement of others. Though not easily flustered, a well-timed flirt or a casual compliment is usually enough to leave the half-elf silent for a period of time.

He has a soft spot for learning and is eager to get his hands on any new piece of information. He can often be found with a book in hand, though most people wonder how he can read. Those people, however, never speak their mind.

There are a few other things, as well, that the half-elf has a soft spot for: a pretty face, a woman in trouble, lost children, and animals.

Family Ties​

Spoiler: Lady Sorcha Ashwing (mother; deceased)

The youngest child of Master Tristyn Ashwing and his wife, Lysana Ashwing, Sorcha was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She had the best tutors and instructors provided to a high-born lady. She was betrothed from an early age to a young magister from the capital and was waiting for until he had completed his first three years as a member of the King's council. However, she ended up meeting Warden Modyn Helbis, a High Elf noble that often visited Acrine. It was said that the pair instantly fell in love, though the truth of the matter is that Modyn courted the Lady for a couple years before their affair was made known. Her pregnancy and announcement of breaking off the betrothal was met with scandalous whispers and raised eyebrows. Her parents weren't pleased with the situation, but there was nothing they could do.

Taliesin's birth was a happy occasion for Sorcha, though her happiness didn't last long. Due to complications with her pregnancy and birth, Sorcha became ill and fevered. Her last request was for her parents to provide for her son as he grew up. As it was a deathbed wish, her parents couldn't deny it and gave in. Shortly after her death, Tal was given to his father, as per customer of the elven people. Sorcha herself was laid to rest in her family's tomb.

Spoiler: Warden Modyn Helbis (father; whereabouts unknown)

A high ranking official of the High Priestess, Modyn was appointed Warden at a young age. Trained in both arcane warfare and martial combat, he was considered a potential match for the daughter of the High Priestess. However, his love affair with the human noble – Sorcha Ashwing – brought about much displeasure among his people. There were threats of him being stripped of his status and position. Given that he was one of the best, though, it would have been more harmful than beneficial to punish him in such a way. Instead, he was snubbed for a number of years and treated as an outcast among his own people.

Not that it bothered him: after Sorcha's death, he had the raising and teaching of his son to worry over. When Tal was only seven, though, Modyn was offered a chance to lead an expedition to an abandoned elven temple in the wilds. Though he was hesitant to leave his son behind, Modyn knew it was a slim chance to prove himself to his people again. He left Tal with Sorcha's parents and promised to return in a few months' time.

The expedition hasn't been seen – or heard from – since.

Spoiler: His Lordship, Master Trystan Ashwing (grandfather; deceased)

The former ruling Lord of the city of Acrine, he had no issues with the Elven people that lived near the city. Indeed, he had fostered a healthy trade network with the Elves and was open to allowing citizenship to those that wished it. However, years of being mistreated had left them distrustful of the humans that were nearby. Nevertheless, they – warily – kept up the trade routes and even had a seat on his Lordship's council: an honor that was unheard of elsewhere. Tensions, however, rose to a peak when it was discovered that Lady Sorcha and Warden Modyn were in a romantic relationship.

Trystan maintained the peace, as best as he could, but the trust between him and the Elven people was strained even more. The birth of Taliesin made things even worse, especially when Modyn took the baby with him after the death of Sorcha. But Trystan – and Lysara – both made a promise to their daughter to provide for her son. When Tal came to live with them, they tried to find an Elven tutor that would be willing to help teach the lad. Unfortunately, none would come and they looked down on Tal as if he had his mother's "loose ways". Trystan passed away shortly after his wife, when Tal was only thirteen years old.

Spoiler: Her Ladyship, Mistress Lysara Ashwing (grandmother; deceased)

The former ruling Lady of the city of Acrine, Lysara was a noble born woman who was as much a ruler as her husband. Over the years, the parties and balls and little gatherings that the Ashwing family held were the talk of the city. A staunch believer in education, she brought in other children from willing families to learn with both Sorcha and Finbar when they were children. Like her husband, she had no issues with the Elven people and even went out of her way to try and make envoys welcome in their home. The discovery of the affair between Lady Sorcha and Warden Modyn, however, made things even more strained and difficult for the pair.

Still, Lysara did what she could to smooth things over, though the trust between her husband and the Elven people was at a breaking point. She was heartbroken over the death of her daughter, but she remained the light of the Ashwing family. When Tal came to live with them, she opened their home to other children that were willing to learn with him, though there were only a small number of them, compared to when Sorcha and Finbar had been children. Because education was so important to her, she also had a hand in teaching her grandson: music, art, and dance. She passed away shortly after Tal's thirteenth birthday, followed soon enough by her husband.

Spoiler: Finbar Ashwing (uncle; whereabouts unknown)

Nothing much is known about Tal's uncle. The half-Elf never met the man, though he had heard stories over the years. Finbar was exiled sometime after his fifteenth birthday, though no one would say what he had been exiled for.

Spoiler: Gavin (tutor; deceased)

Gavin had been an old friend of Trystan's and even had a hand in tutoring both Finbar and Sorcha in their youth. When Taliesin came to live with his grandparents, Gavin (along with a couple others) were the only ones that were willing to teach the boy. Gavin himself was an Archmage of some standing and had seen a great deal of potential in Tal. Over those first six years, he taught Tal the basics of magic and enchantment. And Gavin found in Tal a willing pupil: a child that was eager to learn everything that he could. Not surprisingly, Tal excelled in everything put before him, though he enjoyed arcane studies more.

After the deaths of Trystan and Lysara, Gavin offered his home until Tal was an adult. It would be Gavin's home that would cause such destruction for the young half-Elf. Before he was even an adult, he had dabbled in magic that was far too dangerous and Gavin nearly lost his pupil and someone he considered his adopted son.

The pair worked tirelessly over the next few years to build up Tal's confidence again. And they came up with a solution for his blindness. It wasn't perfect, but it allowed Tal to move around without feeling as if he were a burden.

Gavin passed away when Tal was twenty-one.

Spoiler: Unknown Artificer

The person that crafted Taliesin's artificial leg. He has never said who it is or where they are from. But Tal has known them since his adventuring days. Likely, it was someone who adventured with him and saw what happened to his leg.

Taliesin's Pinterest Board

 

[MurderPenguin]

The Nightmare King​

Full Name: Adriel Telem
Nicknames: Little Demon, Scáth
Aliases: Adrien Thorn (in the human realm)
Title(s): Nightmare King; Captain of the Nightblades
Birth Date: roughly around mid-winter
Age: 1,500
Birthplace: Noswaith
Gender: Male
Pronouns: He/him
Sexuality: Heterosexual/Heteroromantic
Language(s): Demonic, Fae, English, Latin, Irish, French, Greek
Character Ties: Vaden (father of Adriel and Calden; former King of the Dark Fae - deceased); Rislyn (Adriel's mother; former noble of the Demon Lands - currently imprisoned); Calden (Adriel's younger half-brother; a Spellsword and a member of Adriel's council); various other siblings

Spoiler: Physical Info

Species: Half-Demon, half-Fae
Height: 6'6 (without horns); close to 7'0 (with horns); around 6'3 (in human form)
Hair Color/Style: Snow white, long and straight, just past his shoulders (sometimes pulled back into a ponytail)
Eye Color: Mismatched; right eye is gold, while the left eye is silver
Diet: Omnivore
Scent: Smoke, mint, and pine
Scar(s): one well-known scar that goes through his left eye, leaving it silver. There are possibly other scars from his various fights over the years, but no one has gotten quite close enough to him in order to view them
Posture: straight, almost soldier-like posture. Shoulders are straight and back slightly. When he walks, it's with a stalking grace that's almost cat-like: a combination of years with the Nightblades and his own bloodlines mingling together
Wardrobe: Situational, though he rarely (if ever) wears anything that bears a royal/regal bearing. Darkened armor, perhaps, underneath his regular clothes, but nothing too ostentatious. Even in human form, he dresses nicely but nothing that stands out too much

In his most well-known form (an in-between form, as it were), Adriel stands at an impressive 6 feet and 6 inches (to the top of his head). Dark, curling horns similar to a ram adds a few more inches, topping him out at almost 7 feet in height. Long, snow white hair is usually pulled back into a high ponytail, keeping it out of the way and from his face. Unlike the majority of his people, Adriel's skin is a dusky purple color that borders on white (for reference, most Dark Fae have darker skin tones or are closer to humans in terms of skin coloration). Like all Fae, his ears are slightly pointed, though they tend to be hidden underneath his hair when it is loose. His face is all sharp angles, with slightly upturned eyes of mismatched colors. His right eye is golden (as it should be) while his left eye is silver, having taken damage in his early years (the scar that remains is the only hint of whatever happened). A light stubble decorates his jaw, matching his hair in color. Broad-shouldered, most people assume him to be heavily muscular and though he does sport muscles, he is more lean with his armor adding to his bulk.

His hands are a slightly darker shade than the rest of him, with his nails ending in dark claws, a sure sign (aside from his horns) that he is anything other than just a Dark Fae.

In his human-like form, Adriel is slightly shorter, topping out at 6 feet and 3 inches in height. His hair is still light in color, though it's closer to blond than anything. His skin is slightly tanned and sporting the same light stubble across his jaw as his more well-known form. His form is still lean and lightly muscled, though there is an imposing presence to him in this form that cannot be explained. His eyes are a piercing blue-gray color and tend to flash when he's amused or glow when he's angered.

His final form is a fully Demonic form and is a darker version of his more well-known form. Though he retains his Dark Fae traits, he also sports a pair of dark wings and a long, curling tail. His "claws" become longer and his teeth grow into sharpened fangs. This form has been viewed only a handful of times over the years, usually when Adriel himself falls into a bloodlust.

Spoiler: Psyche

Likes: Games of chance/strategy – strong drinks (particularly those crafted in the lands of the Dark Fae) – beautiful women – reading and studying – martial training – hunting – woodcarving – the night – the smell of black tea (though he doesn't drink it) – the smell of burning wood – the weighted feel of his armor – order –
Dislikes: Weak drinks – clingy or overly emotional women – being bothered too much – not being able to train – the heavy smell of certain flowers – the smell of blood – the weightlessness of not being in his armor – chaos – being toyed with – being lied to – those that take advantage of others – thieves –
Strengths: Charismatic – disciplined – focused – hardworking – intelligent – leaderly –
Weaknesses: Abrasive – blunt – calculating – cold – devious – stubborn –
Injuries and Scars: (possible) various scars on his body, though the most well-known scar is the one over his left eye
Fears: being betrayed by someone close to him

Spoiler: Personality: Negative and Positive

THE NEGATIVES
Adriel has a nasty temper that can get the best of him and often brings about a rage that would put a Demon to shame. He is very blunt and callous to the point of being cruel, often justifying it as being the truth. To those that get on his bad side, he is utterly devious and will stop at nothing to get even, even if it might hurt someone in the process. He is cold and calculating and often views certain elements as games of chance. He is set so firmly in his ways and has a stubbornness to him that has yet to find its match.

THE POSITIVES
As a child, Adriel had to learn how to talk so that people ignored his looks and would hang on to his every word. Growing up, he was determined to prove himself a proper ruler and did everything he could to make his father notice him. In his adult years, he joined the Nightblades in order to be of some use to the former King. Over the years, he learned discipline, how to focus himself, and dedicated himself to everything he could. Adriel is the kind of King the Dark Fae needed, after years under a tyrant. He is a fair and just ruler, taking his skills as a leader of the Nightblades and using them in his reign. Those that view him as a monster underestimate just how charismatic and charming he is and are often surprised by his quick wit.

Spoiler: Rumors and Hearsay

-There are people that say he broke off his engagement to Galyn in favor of a merchant girl he fell in love with some years ago. Though no one is quite sure who she is, there are a handful of women that claim he fathered their children.

-It is also said that Adriel angered the Goddess of the Moon by ignoring her favor: the white stag. In a fit of anger, she cursed Adriel: his queen would be one touched by the moon and chosen by the stag himself. And he would be the cause of her pain and suffering for until he accepted who she is and what she could do.

-Adriel's mother is said to be imprisoned still, locked up under the castle for many years.

Spoiler: Info For Perceptive Characters

-For those with a strong sense of smell, Adriel carries the scent of smoke, mint, and pine with him. It lingers in the air for a few moments after he is gone and the scents cling to his skin (most Fae have a unique scent to them and this happens to be Adriel's).

-For those that have the Sight (or can see past the Veil), his human form often shifts in and out of focus, giving a glimpse of white hair or mismatched eyes or (very rarely) the dark, curling horns that sprout from his head.

-For those that are telepathic, his mind is constantly blocked by a dark "wall" that is impossible to get past. Only those that he trusts are able to slip past. His surface thoughts are often of what's going on around him or random things that come to mind.

Spoiler: Miscellaneous

Religious Beliefs: follower of the Goddess of the Underworld, Aldite
(former follower of the God of Life and Death, Myris; as well as the Goddess of the Moon, Nilena)
Night Owl or Early Bird?: Both
Drinking?: Yes
Preferred Alcoholic Drink: Winterfrost Wine (a refreshing white wine that is served ice-cold year round), Nightfall Ale (a light ale with a dark coloration; the taste is sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet)
Darkest Secret: His first target as a Nightblade was a lesser noble that had been making deals with local bandits in order to squeeze more money from his people. Adriel had targeted the noble's manor, watching it for a full month before making his move. Though he had been careful, he had miscalculated: the noble's son had surprised his father with a visit and ended up sleeping in the room the noble often used. The child was Adriel's harshest lesson in making sure of everything. Though he eventually killed the noble the same night, he could never quite forget the sight of the dead child. It continues to haunt him.

Spoiler: Powers and Abilities

Shapeshifting: from both his Unseelie lineage and his Demonic lineage. Adriel can shift his appearance and tends to take on three different forms. First is a more human-like form, in order to blend in with the denizens of the human lands. Second is his in-between form: this is his more well-known appearance, being a blend of both his Demonic heritage and his Unseelie bloodline. His final appearance is more Demonic and only happens when he experiences a bloodlust of any kind. His features become more Demonic in nature and he sprouts wings from his back, as well as a long tail. Adriel can also imitate anyone (male or female).

Curses: from a young age, Adriel learned different curses from both sides of his bloodline. Though Unseelie curses tend to be malevolent and twisted, Demonic curses are very deadly. Adriel very rarely uses Death Curses against someone, though he has done so in extreme situations. Most curses that he has used tend to be the Unseelie curses that twist the mind and leave their marks on the body. Death Curses are those that condemns a person's soul from ever leaving their body, even as their body ages over time.

Umbrakinesis: the Lady Rislyn is one of the few Demons of the Umbra bloodline, allowing her some control over shadows and darkness. This is a trait that she has passed on to her son, who has mastered it quite adeptly over the years. This mastery of shadows and darkness has allowed him a few feats that only those of the Umbra bloodline can master: the generation of darkness (to shoot solid bolts of darkness and surround enemies in pitch black clouds of lightless space), darkness shields (to solidify shadows into virtually impenetrable shields), absorption and dissipation of darkness, imperceptibility (to use shadows to cover himself and become invisible, allowing himself to become one with shadows and pass through walls without detection), and shadow travel (to travel anywhere he wants at incredible speeds).

Induced Terror: as a Demonic Fae, Adriel has the ability to radiate an aura of death and terror to an incredible degree. Though he uses it so rarely, it's something that he can tap into without a second thought (often used on the battleground, in order to demoralize his enemies)

Dual Wielding
Nightblade Training: Nightblades are an elite group of spellcasters who use their magic to enhance mobility, concealment, and stealthy close combat. The Nightblades of the Unseelie Court have a sinister reputation, since they are viewed as either enforcers, assassins, or covert agents. Adriel continues to keep up his training as a Nightblade. After all, one never knows when it might come in handy

Adriel's Pinterest Board

Notes: Adriel is one of the few characters that can be used in a strictly modern setting, as well as a modern/urban fantasy setting