critcast

[critcast]

question: have you guys seen the new sabrina carpenter music video with jenny ortega, taste?

follow up question: have you guys seen the old movie that music video was inspired by?

death becomes her.

well, i really want to add helen and madeline to my muse list (i have vague ideas for how they can also have a dnd/bg3 verse), using sabrina and jenny as fcs. i feel like jenny would make a good helen and sabrina a good madeline, HOWEVER, it sometimes appears in the music video like sabrina is supposed to be helen and jenny is supposed to be madeline. sabrina has the hole in her stomach like helen did in the film, and jenny ends up having to hold her head in place, much like madeline in the film. idk. lol. just things i noticed. i’ll probably make jenny madeline, and sabrina helen, honestly. and yes, i know those fcs are way younger than the characters are but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? they drink the immortal potion and age down to their prime, where they will stay for eternity.

i don’t even know how often i’ll use these muses but this music video has sparked an old fixation i once had on this film lol.

[critcast]

eeby and neeby to sleeby

[critcast]

verses for pam.

BALDUR’S GATE 3.

Background.

Pamela Swynford de Beaufort, a powerful and centuries-old vampire, resides in Baldur’s Gate alongside her maker, Eric Northman. Together, they run a clandestine underground tavern known “Fangtasia", a haven where vampires can discreetly feed on willing humans who seek the thrill of danger. This secretive establishment thrives on its exclusivity, offering safety for both vampires and their human patrons, hidden away from the eyes of the Flaming Fist and other authorities.

One fateful night, Pam ventures above ground to attend to some business in the city. Unbeknownst to her, a nautiloid ship, controlled by mind flayers, is wreaking havoc across Baldur’s Gate. Pam, powerful though she is, is caught off guard and abducted by the ship. Onboard, she is infected with a mind flayer tadpole, a creature designed to slowly transform its host into a mind flayer. When the ship crashes, Pam awakens to a startling revelation: for the first time in over a century, she can walk in the sunlight without burning. However, this newfound ability comes with a heavy price—she can no longer feel her connection to Eric Northman, her beloved maker. This loss terrifies her, as she has never been without that bond since she was turned.

Motivations.

Pam's primary goal is to return to Baldur’s Gate and find out what happened to Eric. She fears that he may have been abducted as well or worse, that he might be dead. The absence of their bond is a constant source of anxiety for her, pushing her to seek answers and a way to restore it.

Pam's secondary goal is to remove the tadpole before it fully transforms her into a mind flayer. Despite her usual disdain for others, she understands the gravity of her situation and reluctantly agrees to travel with the party who shares her fate. However, she remains wary and secretive, determined to hide her true nature as a vampire for as long as possible. She knows that revealing her vampirism too early could lead to distrust or worse, a deadly confrontation with the group.

Personality: Pam remains true to her cold, sarcastic demeanor, often distancing herself emotionally from the group. She prefers to keep interactions brief and to the point, rarely showing any vulnerability. However, her concern for Eric occasionally slips through her facade, hinting at the depth of her loyalty and fear.

Combat: In combat, Pam uses her vampiric abilities sparingly, aware that displaying them might reveal her secret. She relies on her agility, strength, and cunning, preferring stealth and ambush tactics over direct confrontation. When necessary, she uses her charm to manipulate enemies or allies, always aiming to maintain the upper hand.

Interactions with the Party: Pam’s reluctance to bond with the party members stems from her fear of being exposed. She often stays on the fringes of the group, observing and calculating the best way to use them to achieve her goals. However, over time, she may develop a grudging respect for certain members, especially those who prove themselves capable or share her disdain for authority.

[critcast]

Pamela Swynford de Beaufort.

Name: Pamela Swynford de Beaufort

Age: 153 years old (appears in her 30s), born 1871.

Gender: Female

Pronouns: She/Her

Occupations: Co-owner of Fangtasia, former madam, enforcer, vampire sheriff, loyal lieutenant to Eric Northman.

Species: Vampire

Turned: approximately 1905 by Eric Northman

Physical Appearance.

Pam is a strikingly beautiful woman with a pale, flawless complexion typical of vampires. She has long, blonde hair that she often styles elegantly or wears down. Her eyes are a piercing, icy blue, and she frequently accentuates them with dark makeup. Pam's fashion sense is sophisticated, favoring high-end, tailored clothing with a preference for both pink and dark colors, leather, and corsetry. She exudes a cool, confident demeanor, and her expression is often one of disdain or sarcasm.

Personality.

Pam is known for her sharp wit, dry sense of humor, and often caustic demeanor. She is fiercely loyal, particularly to her maker, Eric Northman, for whom she harbors a deep respect and a strong bond. Pam is unapologetically ruthless, pragmatic, and somewhat amoral, caring little for human life or societal norms. Despite her cold exterior, she is capable of deep emotional connections, as seen in her relationships with Eric and, to a lesser extent, Tara Thornton. Pam values strength, independence, and survival above all else, often showing disdain for those she perceives as weak or overly sentimental.

Background.

Pamela Swynford de Beaufort was born in 1871 into a life of privilege and strict societal expectations. As the daughter of a wealthy family, Pam was expected to conform to the rigid roles prescribed for women of her station- marriage, motherhood, and obedience. But Pam was never content with the life laid out for her. She was headstrong, rebellious, and restless, yearning for adventure and the freedom to explore the world on her own terms. She became a sex worker, and eventually, a madam.

Pam's desire to escape the confines of her human life grew more intense as she aged, particularly after meeting Eric Northman. Eric, a mysterious and powerful vampire, fascinated her from the moment they met. He represented everything she longed for-freedom, power, and immortality. Pam quickly became obsessed with the idea of leaving her mundane human life behind to become like him.

However, Eric, who had lived for centuries and seen the burden that immortality could bring, was reluctant to turn her. He admired Pam's spirit but believed she didn't fully understand what she was asking for. He warned her that the life of a vampire was not the adventure she imagined, but a lonely, endless existence filled with blood and darkness. Despite his warnings, Pam's resolve only strengthened. She saw no future in her human life that didn't involve suffocating restrictions or eventual decay and death.

In a moment of desperation and determination, Pam made a drastic decision. She took a blade and slit her own wrists in front of him, letting her blood spill onto the floor. With a steely gaze, she issued an ultimatum: "Let me walk the world with you, Mr. Northman... or watch me die."

Faced with Pam's unyielding resolve and the sight of her life slipping away before his eyes, Eric finally relented. He understood that she would never stop pursuing this path, and if he didn't turn her, she would die by her own hand. With a heavy heart, he drained the last of her blood and gave her his own, transforming her into a vampire.

Pam embraced her new existence with the same fervor she had shown in her human life. She reveled in her newfound freedom and power, becoming Eric's loyal companion and enforcer. Together, they traveled the world, leaving behind the constraints of her past and forging a new life in the shadows.

Pam's transformation marked the end of her human misery and the beginning of a long, dark journey. Though she achieved the freedom she craved, she also inherited the burdens of immortality-the loss of her humanity, the constant thirst for blood, and the ever-present loneliness that comes with outliving everything and everyone around her. Despite this, Pam remains fiercely loyal to Eric, the one who gave her the life she wanted, and stands by his side as they navigate the challenges and dangers of their vampire existence.

[critcast]

i used to rp pam from true blood a while back and i really am about to add her to my muse list because i just thought of the perfect way to make her another bg3 companion lol. writing the info posts now.

[critcast]

closed starter for @wildskissed

The morning light filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, casting dappled shadows on the ground as the wood elf stumbled forward, their heart pounding with a mixture of fear and desperation. The memory of the Nautiloid crash was still fresh in their mind, a blur of twisted metal, shrieking voices, and the sharp pain of the tadpole burrowing into their skull. Now, disoriented and aching, Fox had only one thought consuming them—finding Whisper. The bond between them had always been strong, a thread of magic that tethered their souls together, but now it felt frayed, weakened by distance or worse. Each step through the underbrush was a silent prayer that Whisper was safe, that the abduction hadn’t torn them apart forever.

But then, a sudden ripple of chaotic energy washed over the forest, causing the leaves to tremble and the very air to vibrate with an unsettling hum. Fox froze, their senses sharpening, eyes narrowing as they scanned the surroundings. This was no natural disturbance; it felt wild, untamed. Instinctively, Fox reached for the connection with the earth beneath their feet, drawing on the calming presence of the land, but the magic in the air was volatile, unpredictable—someone was struggling to contain it.

Cautiously, Fox moved toward the source of the disturbance, their steps careful but swift, driven by the urgency of both their own plight and the need to restore balance to the forest. As they pushed through a dense thicket, they spotted her—a figure with auburn hair, her form trembling with the effort of holding back the chaotic surge of magic. Fox’s breath caught in their throat as their head suddenly throbbed, the parasite within them reacting violently, as if sensing a kindred presence. The realization struck them hard—this woman was infected too.

Ignoring the pain, Fox stepped closer, their voice gentle but firm as they spoke, “You’re not alone in this… I can help.”

[critcast]

@fiendishfinesse continued from here.

Drax’s golden eyes narrowed as the unmistakable scent of brimstone cut through the mundane stench of the city, tugging at the corners of his tightly held disguise. The devil before him had made his presence known, but Drax was no fledgling to be cowed by another of his kind. The faintest smirk curved his lips, a hint of something darker simmering beneath his human facade. He met the other devil’s gaze with cool indifference, though the crackle of tension in the air betrayed the unspoken recognition between them.

"Out of the furnace and into the fire, it seems," Drax replied, his voice smooth but laced with an edge of contempt. He didn't flinch as the other leaned in, merely tilted his head slightly, as if considering the devil before him with mild interest. "But as for where I've been skulking… Let’s just say my business is my own. You’ll find I’m not one for sharing unless there’s something worthwhile in return." He let the words hang in the air, a subtle challenge, as his gaze sharpened with a flicker of the infernal power he kept tightly leashed beneath the surface.

[critcast]

i’ll be more active friday! i have plans to go to the beach all day tomorrow, so that will be fun. and tonight i’ll be around, but i’ll also be hanging with my household so i’ll likely be distracted.

[critcast]

&. 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  various  non - halloween  themed  dialogue  prompts  for  all  your  slashers,  final  girls,  and  other  horrors  beyond  your  comprehension.  trigger  warning  for  dark  themes.  feel  free  to  edit  as  you  seem  fit.  ) 

❛ it’s the silence that scares me. ❜

❛ i’m every nightmare you ever had. ❜

❛ i want to see your true face. ❜

❛ one way or another, you’re going to die tonight. ❜

❛ just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not already here. ❜

❛ by the time anyone finds your body, they won’t be able to identify it. ❜

❛ you’re playing a dangerous game here, girl. ❜

❛ i’m playing the villain, just like you wanted. ❜

❛ i won’t give up on you, i know you’re worth it! ❜

❛ scream all you want. no one will hear you. ❜

❛ what are you going to do to me? ❜

❛ there you are, my darling! ❜

❛ i knew you would come back to me. ❜

❛ don’t you want to be consumed by what loves you? ❜

❛ i’m going to send you back to hell where you came from! ❜

❛ you can’t keep me here forever! ❜

❛ how are you still alive? i killed you! ❜

❛ sometimes human spaces make inhuman monsters. ❜

❛ please. why don’t you just let me go? ❜

❛ this missing poster has your face on it. ❜

❛ that wasn’t so bad, was it? ❜

❛ what’s wrong, you don’t trust me? ❜

❛ i know a lot about you. more than you think. ❜

❛ you want me to shut him up for you? ❜

❛ we could have been beautiful together. ❜

❛ when you think you’re alone, someone watches. ❜

❛ rest while you can, because i will hunt you and eat you whole. ❜

❛ what you want is very wrong. ❜

❛ you look so pretty all tied up like this. ❜

❛ what, you like to watch? you goddamn sicko. ❜

❛ god isn’t here. god doesn’t even know about this place. ❜

❛ there is something at work in my soul which i do not understand. ❜

❛ i am the devil, and i am here to do the devil’s work. ❜

❛ you know what they say, an eye for an eye. ❜

❛ why don’t you scream for me? ❜

❛ are you… smelling me? ❜

❛ we’re going to die out here. ❜

❛ i’m not afraid of anything. not anymore. ❜

❛ we will be what everyone wants to be. perfect. ❜

❛ no offense, but i think you might be just a little too crazy for me. ❜

❛ we all go a little mad sometimes. ❜

❛ the harder i try to escape, the further i get into this awful place. ❜

❛ this was not how it was supposed to go! ❜

❛ this is the end of your little game. i win. ❜

❛ don’t leave me! i can’t be alone! ❜

❛ no one is coming for you. ❜

❛ you hide. and i’ll try to find you. sound fun? ❜

❛ fuck this place. seriously, just fuck this place. ❜

❛ what’s the matter, honey? you’ve barely touched your dinner. ❜

❛ don’t be afraid. dying is much easier than living. ❜

❛ i won’t let them kill you. i won’t let them even touch you. ❜

❛ let’s get you some clothes before i get too turned on. ❜

❛ you weren’t putting that tongue to use anyway. ❜

❛ shall i drink your blood fresh, or slice your neck and spill it out first? ❜

❛ dying keeps moving lower on the list of worst things that could happen to me. ❜

[critcast]

* Fox | Headcanon.

Style of Clothing

Nature-Inspired Fabrics.

Fox’s garments are crafted from natural materials sourced directly from the environments they protect. Their robes are woven from soft, breathable fabrics made of plant fibers, such as flax or nettle, dyed in gentle earth tones like moss green, muted browns, and autumnal golds. The fabrics are treated with natural dyes derived from berries, bark, and flowers, giving their clothing a soft, organic palette that blends seamlessly with the wilderness.

Flowing Silhouettes.

Fox favors flowing, layered clothing that allows for ease of movement while exuding a sense of grace and fluidity. Their robes are typically long, with loose sleeves that gather at the wrists, allowing them to move freely whether they’re casting spells, foraging, or simply walking through the forest. These garments often have asymmetrical hems that trail slightly behind them, creating the illusion of gliding rather than walking.

Fox's style includes elements that are traditionally seen as feminine—such as draped fabrics and delicate embroidery—yet these choices feel completely natural, an extension of their identity rather than a conscious subversion of gendered expectations.

Delicate Embroidery and Detailing.

Embellishment on Fox’s clothing is minimal yet meaningful. Subtle embroidery, often done by their own hand during quiet moments of reflection, adorns the edges of their robes and cloaks. The designs are intricate and nature-themed, featuring patterns of vines, leaves, and small flowers that seem almost alive with detail. These touches of embroidery aren’t merely decorative—they’re a form of meditation for Fox, a way of connecting their thoughts and emotions with the fabric they wear.

On special occasions or during rituals, Fox might wear sashes or belts made from woven vines or adorned with small, polished stones, each representing a significant memory or a bond with a particular place in nature.

Footwear and Accessories.

Fox’s footwear is practical yet elegant—soft, leather boots that lace up the front, providing protection and support during long journeys. The boots are dyed a deep, rich brown and often have small, natural decorations, like feathers or beads, that dangle lightly from the laces.

Their accessories are few but purposeful. Fox often wears a belt pouch made from supple leather, filled with herbs, potions, and small trinkets collected during their travels. A delicate necklace, crafted from thin silver wire and bearing a single, small stone, hangs around their neck, resting just above their heart. This necklace is a talisman, a keepsake from their lost village, and they never remove it.

The Hooded Cloak.

Fox’s hooded cloak is perhaps their most iconic piece of clothing—a garment made from the leaves, bark, and fibers of the trees themselves, enchanted to be as durable as any armor. The cloak shifts in color with the seasons, mirroring the changes in the forest around them—deep green in summer, fiery red and orange in autumn, and a muted, frosty hue in winter.

The cloak’s design is simple, but the craftsmanship is extraordinary. The hood is large, often casting Fox’s face in shadow, adding to their mysterious presence. The cloak fastens with a clasp shaped like an oak leaf, symbolizing their role as a protector of the wild. When they move, the cloak trails behind them, giving the impression of leaves rustling in the wind, further enhancing their connection to the natural world.

[critcast]

i owe a bunch of ppl ooc plotting messages, i just wanted you all to know i’m slowly but surely working my way through them!

[critcast]

Seraphina's eyes lifted from the glass of wine, her gaze settling on the stranger with a casual, almost indifferent air. Yet beneath the calm, her senses sharpened, catching the incongruities that marked him as an anomaly in this den of the downtrodden. His appearance was too polished, his demeanor too poised, as if the grime of the tavern dared not touch him. But it was more than that—there was an aura about him, something that made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle with a sense of impending danger.

Seraphina, Malphas's voice slithered into her mind, dark and insistent, there is fire in this one, the kind that burns from the depths of the Hells. He's no mere man. There's devil’s blood in his veins, and with it, a power that could rival even our own. Tread carefully.

Her smile remained, a subtle curve of her lips that betrayed nothing of the internal warning. "It seems I’ve caught the attention of an interesting sort tonight," she murmured, her voice soft yet edged with a keen awareness. She allowed her gaze to drift over him, as if weighing his worth, though in truth, she was gauging the threat that Malphas so clearly sensed. "But it’s not the place that matters—it’s the company."

She let the silence linger, her crimson eye narrowing ever so slightly as she studied him. There was an air of command about him, a quiet confidence that spoke of someone accustomed to getting what they wanted, but she was no easy prize. "As for what I seek," she continued, her tone laced with deliberate ambiguity, "that remains to be seen. The night is young, after all. But tell me—what does a man like you hope to find in such a place? Surely not just idle conversation."

She leaned back slightly, a picture of calm curiosity, though the glow in her crimson eye flared momentarily—a silent warning that while she might entertain his presence, she was not one to be underestimated. Beneath her composed exterior, her mind remained coiled, ready to strike should the need arise.

Open Starter 2

The dim glow of the tavern’s lanterns cast flickering shadows on the worn wooden floor, the air thick with the scent of ale and whispers of forgotten secrets. Among the rough-hewn patrons, a figure stood out like a diamond in the dust. Raphael leaned casually against the bar, his regal clothing a stark contrast to the drab surroundings. His brown eyes glinted with a knowing light, a fox-like smile playing on his lips as he observed the room with the patience of a predator.

He toyed with the rim of his goblet, filled with a dark, swirling liquid that seemed almost alive, and then let his gaze settle on a lone figure across the room. With an elegant flick of his wrist, the goblet vanished, and he stepped forward, moving through the crowd with the fluid grace of someone who knew he was untouchable. The surrounding air seemed to hum with anticipation as he closed the distance, his presence demanding attention without uttering a word.

"Strange place to find oneself, isn’t it?" Raphael’s voice was smooth as silk, carrying an undercurrent of both charm and danger. He stopped just a breath away, tilting his head as he regarded his newfound interest. "But then, we all have our reasons for treading such... unsavoury paths. Tell me, what is it you’re searching for in this den of lost souls? Fortune? Redemption? Or perhaps something a little more interesting?" His smile widened.

[critcast]

i’m too autistic to not also have an incredibly autistic muse lol. but i have too much to do with the muses who already exist right now, let me chill lol

[critcast]

verses for draxen.

BALDUR’S GATE 3

Drax could be introduced as a potential companion with the ability to switch between his human and devil forms. However, Drax's ability to maintain his human form is directly tied to feeding on the souls of mortals. The party encounters him during their journey, perhaps near the grove where he is trying to blend in with mortals in his human form, searching for not only prey to help him maintain his human form, but an answer for what’s been done to him. He too has been infected with a Mind Flayer parasite. He was abducted in Baldur’s Gate, in a brothel where he was posing as a consort to more easily acquire souls. Drax joins the party, but his need to feed on souls to preserve his disguise becomes a crucial part of his story arc.

While Drax’s primary goal appears to be removing the tadpole, his more immediate concern is satisfying his hunger without drawing the ire or suspicion of the other party members. To maintain his human form and the trust of his companions, Drax must secretly feed on the souls of random NPCs throughout the game.

Depending on the players own morality, if they discover Drax‘s secret, they may choose to either support Drax or kick him from the party. If the player supports Drax’s feeding and helps him grow in power, he could ascend to a position of power in the Nine Hells after becoming powerful enough to challenge his father, using the strength gained from the souls he has consumed. This could lead to a dark ending where the player either joins Drax in ruling a hellish domain or must face the consequences of unleashing such a powerful entity on the world.

If the player fails to manage Drax’s hunger or opposes his feeding, Drax might betray the party, choosing to fully embrace his infernal nature. This could lead to a climactic boss fight where Drax, in his full devil form, confronts the player and their party (honestly, he deserves a can of whoop ass).

[critcast]

FANTASY SENTENCE STARTERS  ( CRIME )

feel  free  to  change  any  pronouns  or  subjects  (or  reverse by sending  '+ reverse' ).  this pack is themed around criminals,  whether from guard / prison perspective, victims,  passerby or the criminals themselves.  vague enough in some ways to be used in unique ways. requested by an anonymous!

❛  what do you mean,  he escaped?  ❜

❛  how did you make it out?  ❜

❛  now it's your turn.  unlock my cell.  ❜

❛  you can play the bait.  ❜

❛  of course i know the way out.  in theory.  ❜

❛  i've never been in such a big place.  they caught me pretty quickly.  ❜

❛  how was i supposed to know he was royalty?  ❜

❛  so i tried to pick - pocket the king  —  big deal!  ❜

❛  keep quiet.  turn out your pockets.  ❜

❛  say a word  &&  your life is over,  filth.  ❜

❛  i know who you are.  you stole from the castle.  ❜

❛  you're the escapee.  i can turn you in.  ❜

❛  don't say anything.  please.  ❜

❛  you have a long way to go before you earn my trust.  ❜

❛  give me your coin,  before i gut you.  ❜

❛  you made your loyalty clear.  ❜

❛  you could have gotten us killed!  ❜

❛  what was that in your pocket?  ❜

❛  did you steal that?  ❜

❛  it's an ambush,  i'm sure of it.  ❜

❛  keep to the shadows.  quietly  —  we'll get out of this.  ❜

❛  you are a liar  &&  a thief.  i don't trust you.  ❜

❛  how can i trust you when you do these things?  ❜

❛  you put everyone here in danger!  ❜

❛  hold your tongue or lose it.  ❜

❛  are you afraid?  ❜

❛  i could never trust a convicted criminal.  ❜

❛  you're making this a lot harder than it needs to be,  your grace.  ❜

❛  oh,  this?  no,  of course i did not take it.  i  ...  found it.  ❜

❛  a murder has been committed!  ❜

❛  what did you see?  did you see the traitor?  ❜

❛  tell me the truth.  was it you?  ❜

❛  we can't run from them forever.  ❜

❛  we will catch them.  whatever it takes.  ❜

❛  the king has been killed.  ❜

❛  the queen was murdered.  ❜

❛  a body has been discovered!  ❜

❛  did you kidnap a member of the royal family?!  ❜

❛  no,  you must go!  i will not be tied to your crimes!  ❜

❛  why can't you just follow the rules?  ❜

❛  please,  don't hurt me.  i will do whatever you ask.  ❜

❛  i can tell you what you want!  ❜

❛  please,  please don't kill him!  it wasn't him!  ❜

❛  midnight,  on the bridge.  come alone.  ❜

❛  leave a ransom note!  ❜

❛  are the ropes too tight?  ❜

❛  oh,  shut up.  you make a horrible hostage.  ❜

❛  i'll play the part of the guard,  you play the prisoner.  we need to get them out.  ❜

❛  i need to get out of here.  ❜

❛  are you joking?  why would you do that?  ❜

❛  you can't seriously expect me to willingly go with someone like you.  ❜

❛  you're a murderer!  ❜

❛  you're a thief!  ❜

❛  you're a con - artist!  ❜

❛  i can't believe i trusted you.  ❜

❛  i can't believe you fell for that.  ❜

❛  how stupid do you think i am?  ❜

❛  just how stupid can you be?  ❜

❛  it was so easy,  you never noticed a thing.  ❜

❛  shhh.  no one needs to know.  ❜

❛  c'mon.  you aren't going to turn me in.  ❜

❛  don't be rash.  there's still a way out.  ❜

❛  what do we do?  they're coming for us!  ❜

❛  they know it was you!  ❜

❛  you think you are invincible,  but they're going to catch you someday.  ❜

❛  go.  get out of here before i change my mind.  ❜

❛  i didn't see you.  ❜

❛  fine.  just go!  ❜

❛  they're coming from the south,  just so you know.  ❜

❛  don't thank me yet,  you still have to get away in full.  ❜

❛  they aren't going to let this go easily.  ❜

❛  good luck out there.  ❜

❛  wish me luck.  ❜

❛  i'll come back for you.  ❜

❛  i will get you out,  i swear it.  ❜

[critcast]

Lexori’s voice was a soft, comforting murmur as she worked, her touch delicate as she guided the cloth over Azariel’s back and wings. The water, now clouded with the grime of his captivity, rippled softly in the dim light of the inn’s bathhouse. “You need not thank me, Azariel,” she said, her tone warm, carrying the gentle weight of someone who understood the need for kindness after pain. “After what you’ve endured, this is the least any of us can do.” Her fingers brushed through the feathers of his wings with practiced care, her own life on the road lending her a certain ease with such tasks.

As she continued, the pink-toned tiefling’s touch remained light but purposeful, working to cleanse not just his skin, but the lingering shadows of his suffering. “I’ve always believed that a bit of pampering can do wonders for the soul,” she added with a soft chuckle, trying to lift the heaviness that still clung to the air. “And I’ve had plenty of practice—what with keeping this mane of mine in order.” She offered him a playful wink, hoping to coax a smile or even a small laugh from him.

Her voice softened further as she paused, meeting his gaze with a sincerity that shone through her usual mischief. “You deserve this moment, to just... be. To let the weight of it all slip away, if only for a while. We’ve got your back now, Azariel. You’re not alone anymore.” The words were more than just reassurance; they were a promise, spoken from the heart of someone who knew what it meant to survive and still stand strong.

OPEN STARTER; bath time

Inns, these days, are a luxury seldom found, much less seldom bought. Still, when the opportunity rises the party jumps on it. The inn is bustling with people, ever popular and ever profiting. Although many of his companions opt to feast first, he chooses to bathe first. Bathing can be a time consuming task, not only due to his long, wavy hair but also due to his wings. He's got wings both on his head and his back. Although his head wings are easy to clean, his back wings and back are another story. His wings, as beautiful as they are, make it difficult for him to clean his back. Thankfully, this time, he has help. "Thank you again, for helping me. I am eager to get all of this grime off."

[critcast]

Draxen “Drax” Maelthar

Name: Draxen "Drax" Maelthar

Age: 112 years old

Race: Cambion (Half-Human, Half-Incubus)

Class/Occupation: Warlock / Soul Harvester

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Forms.

Ability: Infernal Metamorphosis

Draxen possesses the ability to switch between his human form and his true devil form at will. This transformation allows him to blend in with mortals when needed or to unleash his full infernal power during combat or when exerting dominance. The transformation is accompanied by a brief surge of dark energy, and each form has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Human Form.

Appearance:

Height: 6'4"

Build: Lean and athletic, with a subtly muscular physique.

Skin Tone: Pale, almost alabaster, with no visible scars or blemishes.

Hair: Midnight black, styled in a loose, flowing manner that cascades down his back. His hair has a slight natural wave, giving him a mysterious, almost ethereal appearance.

Eyes: Piercing golden irises with slit-like pupils, resembling those of a cat or serpent.

Facial Features: Sharp, chiseled features that give him an aristocratic and dangerous allure. His face is unmarred, appearing almost too perfect, a testament to his devilish charm.

Clothing: In his human form, Draxen often dresses in elegant, dark-colored attire that hints at nobility or wealth, with a preference for long coats, high collars, and gloves. His clothing is always immaculate, designed to draw attention while allowing for easy movement.

Personality:

In this form, Draxen is charming and manipulative, easily passing as a mysterious noble or a powerful sorcerer. He uses his looks and charisma to blend in with human society, often charming his way into positions of influence or power. However, his eyes and aura always carry a subtle hint of something dark and dangerous beneath the surface.

Abilities in Human Form:

Charm & Persuasion: Draxen’s human form enhances his incubus charm, making him incredibly persuasive and alluring to others.

Subtle Magic: He can still access his magic in this form, though it appears less flashy—small flames, whispers of shadows, and minor illusions are his preferred tools.

Enhanced Stealth: In this form, Draxen is particularly adept at moving unseen and unheard, perfect for infiltrating or escaping situations unnoticed.

Devil Form.

Appearance:

Height: 7'2" (grows taller and more imposing)

Build: Muscular, with broad shoulders and a powerful physique.

Skin Tone: Dark ashen grey with a faint red glow beneath, as if embers lie just under the surface of his skin.

Hair: His hair remains black but becomes wilder, flowing as if caught in an ethereal wind. It appears almost smoke-like, shifting and moving with a life of its own.

Eyes: Glowing golden with flames flickering within them, his pupils become more slit-like and demonic.

Facial Features: His face becomes more angular and demonic, with sharper features and a wider, more sinister grin. His teeth sharpen into fangs, and he grows horns, curving menacingly back along his skull.

Wings: Large, bat-like wings unfurl from his back, leathery and black, allowing him to fly and hover with ease.

Claws and Tail: His fingers elongate into sharp claws, and a long, spiked tail emerges, which he can use to attack or ensnare enemies.

Personality:

When in his devil form, Draxen’s personality becomes more primal and aggressive. He revels in his power and delights in causing pain and destruction. His need to dominate and destroy is heightened, and he loses any pretense of humanity, fully embracing his infernal nature.

Abilities in Devil Form:

Hellfire Manipulation: In this form, Draxen can summon and control hellfire with devastating power, casting large fireballs, creating infernos, or wielding flames as weapons.

Soul Drain: His ability to drain the souls of mortals is significantly enhanced, allowing him to absorb energy rapidly (usually through sexual contact) and heal from wounds almost instantly. it also helps him maintain his human form for longer.

Flight: With his wings, Draxen can fly at great speeds, making him an aerial threat and allowing him to escape or pursue with ease.

Increased Physical Power: His strength, speed, and durability are greatly amplified, making him a fearsome opponent in physical combat.

Transformation Notes:

The transformation between forms is not instantaneous and takes a few seconds, during which Draxen is vulnerable. However, once the transformation is complete, he gains the full benefits of the form he’s in.

While in human form, Draxen must be cautious, as maintaining this appearance can be draining over extended periods, especially if he’s wounded or hasn’t fed on souls recently.

In devil form, Draxen’s powers are at their peak, but he also draws more attention from both mortal and infernal entities, making stealth more difficult.

Draxen uses his ability to switch forms strategically, relying on his human form to manipulate and deceive, while unleashing his devil form when he wishes to assert his dominance or when he faces a powerful foe.

Backstory.

Draxen’s birth was the result of a dark and twisted union between a virtuous human woman named Elara and a malevolent incubus named Azhkarion. His mother, a healer and a kind soul, was seduced by the incubus during a moment of vulnerability. She never forgave herself for the encounter and bore the shame of her pregnancy in silence. When Draxen was born, Elara tried to love him, but the child’s inherent darkness frightened her. She could sense the evil in him even as an infant.

Growing up, Draxen was shunned by the people of his village, who whispered of his demonic origins. His mother’s attempts to shield him only deepened his resentment towards her and the rest of humanity. The more she tried to guide him toward the light, the more he gravitated towards darkness, drawn by the whispers of his father that echoed in his mind.

When he was just 15 years old, Draxen’s latent powers began to manifest, and he accidentally unleashed a devastating infernal fire that consumed his entire village, killing his mother along with everyone else. Instead of grief, Draxen felt a twisted sense of liberation. It was then that he embraced his darker nature fully, abandoning any pretense of humanity.

Over the years, Draxen wandered the world, honing his powers and feeding off the souls of the damned to grow stronger. He became a warlock, forming pacts with even darker entities to further his abilities. His father, Azhkarion, occasionally contacts him in dreams, offering guidance and temptations, though Draxen despises the incubus. Yet, ironically, Draxen finds himself walking the very path his father once did, relishing in the same evil that destroyed his life. He has ambitions to become more powerful than his father, who rules a sect of the Nine Hells, seeking to kill him and claim his throne.

Personality.

Draxen is cunning, manipulative, and driven by a deep-seated resentment toward both humanity and his infernal heritage. His charm is his most dangerous weapon, capable of luring victims into a false sense of security before he strikes. While he revels in chaos and destruction, his actions are often calculated, driven by a desire for power and control.

Beneath his cold, arrogant exterior lies a core of bitterness and pain, remnants of a past that fuels his hatred for a world that has always hated him. He harbors a deep contempt for weakness, including the lingering compassion he sometimes feels, a trait he views as an inherited flaw from his human mother.

Draxen finds joy in tormenting others, both mentally and physically. He’s prone to sudden outbursts of violence, especially when he feels his authority or power is threatened. However, he is also highly intelligent and enjoys playing elaborate mind games, making him as dangerous psychologically as he is physically. He has a habit of making light of serious situations.

Goals & Motivations.

Power: Draxen seeks to amass enough power to rival even the greatest of devils, and to one day challenge his father and take his place as a ruler of the infernal realms.

Mastery Over His Fate: Draxen is driven by a need to prove that he is not a mere puppet of his infernal heritage but a master of his own destiny, even if that destiny is one of destruction.

Drax’s Relationship with His Mother.

Despite her fear of his infernal nature, Elara had moments of genuine affection and love for her son. These moments were fleeting but powerful, creating a confusing mix of emotions in Draxen. For example, after Draxen displays his first signs of infernal power as a child, instead of reacting with pure horror, Elara had a moment where she saw the innocent child beneath the darkness, cradling him and whispering a lullaby that she used to sing before she fully understood what he was. This memory haunts Draxen, particularly in moments of extreme violence or when he’s alone, serving as a faint echo of the love he once knew but now rejects.