The Runemaker

Nyxandrius Blackstone

A person is but an accumulation of events before death.

• General
• Personality
• History
• Combat
• Misc. Info
• OOC Info

Character Application for Convergence RP

General Information

MAJOR ARCANA

XIII. DEATH

Of Endings, Change and Transitions.

A spine-like arcana mark located along his back.

CHARACTER DESIGN

• Visual Application

Original Designer @yyebbuan
Application Artist @maio_hage

Personality

+ THOUGHTFUL, FOCUSED, EVEN-TEMPERED
= RETICENT, DIPLOMATIC, INTROSPECTIVE
– ARTIFICIAL, CONFORMING, INSECURE

Outwardly, Nyxandrius is an even-tempered devilkin gentleman. He is quiet and soft-spoken with an unassuming demeanor, but he is not meek. Nyx exudes a silent confidence and dignity, befitting his background as the son of the wealthy Blackstone Family. However, to the perceptive eye, there is also an air of reticence about the debonair young man, as though there is a part of him that he does not want to be known.For indeed, the devilkin named Nyxandrius Blackstone is but a charlatan. An illusion, a fraud! The one who wears his face is named Nakht. A faceless one.The real Nyxandrius Blackstone was warm, bright, and brilliant. As much as it tries to be like him, the faceless one knows that it could never fill his shoes. Yet, having been Nyxandrius Blackstone for nigh ten years, his self has become inseparable with this identity. It could never be Nyxandrius Blackstone, but perhaps Nyxandrius Blackstone could become it.

POST-BACKGROUND ACT III:After the unmasking of his secret, Nyxandrius is finally free to be himself. Yet, he has kept up this pretense for so long that he no longer remembers what was an act and what holds true to himself. He will always hold a deep insecurity about his identity and though Nyx's changeling nature is no longer a secret, he still holds a hesitancy to reveal himself to others. Because of this, Nyx is malleable. He will often mold himself to the existing status quo. Some find his shallow, superficial veneer unsettling and fake. Others find him banal and boring. However, this also makes him extremely adaptable to social climes and the changeling shows a remarkable ability to adjust for those around him. This does wear down on him though as he is extremely introverted by nature.Beyond his identity crisis, Nyx is generally even-tempered and not easily roused to anger. He is good at keeping the peace and mediating conflicts. What is more, he is truly passionate about the Blackstone Family's craft for rune-making. It is one of the few things that he knows is authentic to himself. He seeks to improve his runic knowledge and spread the benefits this arcane technology provides.

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Background

TL;DR — Nyxandrius Blackstone is actually a changeling named Nakht. The real Nyxandrius Blackstone was a devilkin who wanted to become a Pale Wolf. In order to see the world for himself, the real Nyxandrius swapped places with his secret friend Nakht in a "Prince and the Pauper"-esque situation. However, he perished on one of his excursions and never returned.The changeling remained as Nyxandrius Blackstone for ten years, until one day he was exposed as an imposter. He has since left behind the Blackstone estate and seeks to fulfill the childhood dream of the real Nyxandrius Blackstone in becoming a Pale Wolf.

ACT I. THE NAMELESS, FACELESS, COLORLESS ONEIn the beginning, it was just a nameless, faceless, colorless thing. It did not know who it was nor whence it came from. It only knew that it must survive, and to survive it must take the shape of those around it. Steal their face, their voice, their name, their identity. To become another was second nature to a faceless one like itself.It was simpler times when it scampered about the streets amongst the many street urchins stealing scraps to eat. A simple but contented existence, unknowing of what was beyond that. But everything changed when it met a devilkin youth in lavish clothes and a confident spring to his step. This was Nyxandrius Blackstone, though the faceless one did not know this at the time.It thought that following this well-dressed boy would lead to an easy meal. It donned the boy's appearance and stole into the Blackstone mansion to pilfer the food pantries at night. It did not expect to run into the Blackstone boy.But instead of reacting fearfully, the devilkin regarded him with curiosity, "You wear my face. What are you?"In fright, the faceless one responded, "I don't know."Nyxandrius asked, "Then what is your name?""I don't know," it responded once more, meekly.Contemplating this, the Blackstone boy said, "Everyone should have a name. If you don't have one, I'll name you. From now on you can be Nakht."And thus, the nameless, faceless, colorless one was no longer nameless. It was named Nakht.

ACT II. THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPERNyxandrius Blackstone and the newly named Nakht became fast friends, the charming and witty Nyx cracking open the shy and skittish Nakht like a little walnut. The changeling was introduced to a whole new world. Its newfound friend pulled it into all kinds of adventures and mischief. No longer did it just exist; it learned what it meant to live and enjoy each day to the fullest. This was the happiest years of its life.One day, Nyxandrius noticed the mark on its back. "You never told me you're Arcana-Chosen!"Nakht did not know what that meant. It had never paid much attention to it before and the mark had always just been there. "What does that mean?""That means you have been acknowledged by an Arcana! It is a great gift!" the devilkin exclaimed."I don't think it's anything special," Nakht responded dubiously. "It's only just a mark.""But with this mark you can join the Order of the Pale Wolf," Nyx said wistfully. "You can slay monsters and aid the people. You can become a hero!"Nakht had never dreamed of such grandiosity. In fact, it was quite happy just being in the here and now. "I don't see why you cannot become one. Why must a silly little mark be the only qualification?"Nyx mulled over this, "You're right. There must be other ways to become a Wolf."After which, the Blackstone devilkin became obsessed with the idea of becoming worthy enough to join the ranks of the Order. He came up with a plan, which he shared with Nakht."In order to become a Wolf, I must experience the world with my own eyes and aid the commonfolk in what ways that I can," he said with such confidence that Nakht believed him. "But I can't do that stuck in this stuffy estate learning these silly runes."Nakht, who liked those silly little runes, just blinked.Nyxandrius continued, "So, I say that you disguise yourself as me and take my place during my lessons. Then, I can steal away and experience the real world for myself."And so, they established a routine. One where Nakht would become Nyxandrius and stay behind in the Blackstone estate, while the real Nyxandrius went frolicking off into the city. It did not mind as it enjoyed the lessons. The Blackstone's art of rune-making was fascinating to the changeling who poured over the material happily.Nyxandrius would be gone for hours, sometimes even days, but Nakht never worried. For the devilkin would always come back.That was... until he did not.Nakht waited. For days, for weeks, for months.Nyxandrius Blackstone never returned.

ACT III. THE NEW NYXANDRIUS BLACKSTONENyxandrius was dead.Nakht knew this when the news of an unidentified devilkin's corpse was found caught in a fisherman's net. The body was too bloated and decomposed for others to ascertain, but Nakht saw the familiar tattered clothes and knew. That corpse was his.Though it should have come clean. It should have told the Blackstone family the truth.... it did not.Without Nyxandrius, it would have gone back to being that nameless, faceless, and colorless thing. It had had a taste of what it meant to live, what it meant to be someone. No longer could it go back to that meaningless, soulless existance. So, it became him — the new Nyxandrius Blackstone.He was raised by the kindly Blackstone family who had no inkling about their real son's passing. He perfected the Blackstone's artisanal trade of runic implements. He played the part of a prodigal son, making Nyxandrius' father proud. He tried to be who Nyxandrius was in his eyes. Bright, shining, and brilliant, though he himself was nothing of the sort.Like this ten years passed, guilt gnawing away at his conscience. Until one day he simply let it slip. Perhaps he was just tired of the weight of it all.In front of Lady Giselda, he let his form ripple. He returned to that faceless, colorless thing that he had long forgotten about.To his surprise, the lady did not react with horror or shock. She said simply, "You are not my son.""No, I am not," it responded.She just smiled. A soft, sad smile. It was as though she had already known. "But he lives on in you, and that is enough.Lord Berenger did not react so graciously when he was told the truth. Unlike his wife, he had not known that the prodigal son he'd raised the past ten years was not his own. (Or perhaps he did deep in his heart, but was too wrapped up in his own denial.)In a state of shock, he raged. "You are not my son! Begone from this place, you foul and wicked thing!"And so Nyxandrius left. With the Father's scorn and the Mother's blessing, he wandered looking for a new purpose. One day, he came across a Pale Wolf recruiting for the cause. He had heard of the heroic events at Zhou Hai; how the Pale Wolves had need for more whelps. It reminded him again of the devilkin boy who's childhood dream was to help the cause.It could not hurt to try, he thought.The least he could do was to fulfill the old dreams of the true Nyxandrius Blackstone. Repayment for giving him this life and happiness — however fictitious and fleeting it was.After all, he was no longer faceless, nor nameless, nor colorless. He was Nyxandrius Blackstone.

General Stats

LEVEL 2 | RACIAL POINTS: 4/4 | TOTAL MP: 7

Combat Stats

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Inventory

SIMPLE WEAPON | Bladed Quarterstaff
This quarterstaff hides a rune carved in the handle and a simple blade within.TOOL PROFICIENCY | Rune Carving Kit
Nyx always keeps a set of rune carving tools on his person, no matter where he goes (even to the loo).ITEM | A Single Invisibility Potion
A reward for clearing out the moving granite statues at the Temple of Fools.On use, the drinker can turn invisible, becoming impossible for ordinary people to see without the aid of spellcraft. However, they can still be heard, and attacking or casting a spell ends the effect.Duration: 1 minute, one time use.ITEM | Hot Drink
A reward from player run quest, Frosty.On use, the drinker is immune to extreme cold conditions and cold damage is reduced by half.Duration: 1 minute, one time use.
ITEM | Snowberry Candy
A reward from player run quest, Frosty.Boosts one ice type attack or spell by 1.5x.ITEM | Ice Disk
A reward from player run quest, Frosty.A three-inch disk cut in the shape of a snowflake; it can be tossed up to 30 ft. It will coat the ground with a radius of 15 ft difficult terrain for 10 turns or until it is melted with fire. Skills that move other targets, such as push, is doubled over the terrain.

Racial Traits

POINT COST +2 | The Many-Faced Faceless
As a changeling, Nyx can use an action to freely shift his appearance, voice, and sex. He can only duplicate the appearance of a creature he's seen, and this ability is limited to a form that has the same basic arrangement of limbs that he has.POINT COST +2 | Sleepless Nights
Nyxandrius does not need sleep to function. Resources requiring sleep to recover are instead granted by 2 hours of rest or light activity.POINT COST +1 | Night Vision
Nyxandrius can see in non-magical darkness as if his surroundings were dimly lit. However, he can only see in shades of grey, not full color.POINT COST +0 | Feyblood
Nyxandrius deals an extra 20% damage to Devils and 20% less damage to other Fey such as himself.POINT COST +0 | Grim Aura
Whether it's because he is Death-Chosen or because of his changeling nature, it is uncertain, but his presence frightens away small animals and his touch will wilt flowers.POINT COST -1 | Imposter Syndrome
If his disguise and persona as "Nyxandrius Blackstone" is forcibly removed, he will be Shaken for a turn.He can be returned to his original form via magical items that forcibly reverts a shapeshifter to its true form, or through the concentrated light of The Moon (i.e. spells like Moonbeam or focused moonlight via magnifying glass.)

Spells

MAGIA

MAGIA | The Rot of Flesh
Nyxandrius has a natural touch that promotes decay, festering and death. The rune carved into the wood of his quarterstaff enhances this ability, allowing Nyx to reopen and fester past wounds of a targeted enemy. Deals 1d10+INT necrotic damage on a successful VIT Spell Contest.MAGIA | Bone Puppetry
Nyx has the unsettling ability to manipulate bones left behind by the deceased. He can use these bone shards to deal 1d10+INT piercing damage on a successful DEX Spell Contest or he can reconstruct them into a floating, skeletal hand. This hand can carry up to 10 pounds and will disassemble if it is ever more than 30 feet away from him.

1ST LEVEL SPELL

1ST LEVEL MAGIC | Carve the Flesh
Nyx has a strange affinity to bones and flesh. He can sew flesh and knit bone, just as easily as he can fester wounds and disintegrate muscle. This time he choses to heal, rather than rot. Nyx heals an ally for 4d4+4 HP on touch, or on an upcast, a heal of 4d4 for up to three creatures.Single-Target | Instant | Range: Touch | Upcast to Multi-Target, Instant, Range: 15 ft1ST LEVEL MAGIC | The Arcana's Protection
Using a Reaction, Nyx can activate a basic protective rune, that can create a magical barrier that increases his AC by +3 for that round until his next Turn, including against the triggering attack.Self | Instant | Upcast +2 AC1ST LEVEL SPELL | Death Grip
Nyxandrius summons skeletal hands from the ground, to entangle up to three creatures of his choice. This forces a Spell Contest (STR). On a failure, a creature is Bound and suffers a -1 to AC. Each set of bindings has 20 HP and can instantly be frightened away by fire damage. If all three sets of bindings are used on one creature, all must be destroyed before a creature is freed. A creature can reroll the Contest at the end of each of its turns to attempt to free itself.Multi-Target | Instant | 30 ft | Up to 10 Rounds

2ND LEVEL SPELL

2ND LEVEL MAGIC | Whisper of the Dead
Nyx can bid the soul of a recently-departed mortal to return to its body just long enough to speak with it. He may ask the corpse 5 questions. This, however, has several stipulations:1) Corpses cannot learn new information after death,2) Corpses generally don’t want to talk to the person who killed them,3) A soul that has been destroyed, captured, or is otherwise unable to return cannot be summoned,4) Corpses do not have to talk to their summoner, nor must they be honest with them. A rude summoner will frequently find themselves being ignored, insulted, or even lied to, and5) This spell cannot be cast on a corpse more than once a week, regardless of caster.Single-Target | Instant | Touch2ND LEVEL MAGIC | Intermediate Rune Carving I
Nyx can activate an intermediate enhancement rune, increase up to three creatures' Movement Speed by 30 feet (6 tiles), grant them a +1 bonus to AC and AB, and a +2 bonus to Spell/Feat Contests (SKL).Multi-Target | Over Time | 30 ft | Up to 10 Rounds | Upcast +1 Target2ND LEVEL MAGIC | Ray of Enfeeblement
A black beam of enervating energy springs from Nyx's quarterstaff that causes muscle to atrophy and joints to lock. Make a Spell Attack Roll. On a hit, the target takes 4d6 necrotic damage and must make a Spell Contest (VIT) to avoid being Stunned. At the end of each of its turns, the affected creature may reattempt the Spell Contest to end the Stun effect.Single-Target | Over Time | 60 ft | Up to 10 Rounds2ND LEVEL MAGIC | Bone Wych
Nyxandrius has the unsettling ability to manipulate bones left behind by the deceased. He reanimates the bones of a bearded vulture which attacks his enemies every time he does. Once per Round on his Turn, he can use a Free Action to order the ally to move up to 20 ft and/or to attack, making a Spell Attack with a 1d20+INT+Spell Level. On a successful hit, the skeletal familiar deals 1d10 necrotic damage.If the skeletal familiar ever moves further than 90 feet from Nyxandrius, the Spell ends.Special | Instant | 30 ft | 10 Rounds | Upcast +1 DMG Die

Feats

1ST LEVEL FEAT

1ST LEVEL FEAT | The Runemaker's Knowledge
He's studied the Arcane for nigh his entire life. He has +2 bonus to INT checks on knowledge of the Arcana or the arcane.At Level 3, this becomes a +4 bonus, and you may choose an additional subject. At Level 5, this becomes a +6 Bonus, and you may choose a third subject.1ST LEVEL FEAT | The Runemaker's Mastery
Nyxandrius's arcane mastery makes his spells more difficult to resist. His Spell TN increases by one at Level 1, two at Level 3, and three at Level 5.This Feat cannot be taken alongside Extra Attack.1ST LEVEL FEAT | Stalwart Mind
In a world fraught with arcane danger, Nyxandrius stands austere and sturdy as a castle wall. He has a +2 on INT checks to defend against supernatural effects such as fear, charm, possession, rage, confusion, and the like.At Level 3, this bonus increases to +3. At Level 5, this bonus increases to +5.

2ND LEVEL FEAT

2ND LEVEL FEAT | The Runemaker's Focus
Nyxandrius is especially effective at maintaining focus on his Over Time spells. When forced to roll against Disruption of an Over Time Spell on which he is currently focusing, he will roll a 1d8 instead of the usual 1d6. His Spell still ends on a 1.At Level 3, this becomes a 1d10. At Level 5, this becomes a 1d12. This Feat cannot be taken alongside Extra Attack.

Waiting List (TBD)

POINT COST +1 | Arcane Affinity
Perhaps because of his feyblood, Nyxandrius has always had an affinity to the Arcane. He can see the ambient aether in his environment and the leylines through which magic flows. Cannot detect illusions.POINT COST +2 | Death's Alms
The Death Arcana grants his Chosen additional vitality. Nyxandrius gains an additional +1 VIT.2ND LEVEL MAGIC | Intermediate Rune Carving II
Nyx can activate an intermediate enhancement rune, increasing a willing creature's Movement Speed by 30 feet (6 tiles), and granting them one additional Action that can be used to make a single Weapon Attack, move an additional 30 feet (to a total of 90 feet for that Turn), Hide, or Use an Item. This also grants the targeted creature a +2 bonus to AC.When this Spell ends, the affected creature is rendered unable to take Actions until the end of their next Turn.Single-Target | Over Time | 30 ft | 10 Rounds2ND LEVEL FEAT | Arcane Counterattack
When a hostile creature misses Nyxandrius with a Melee Weapon Attack, he can use his Reaction to make one Magia Attack against the creature who triggered the Reaction.1ST LEVEL MAGIC | Lesser Invisibility Rune
Activating a lesser rune, Nyxandrius can turn invisible, becoming impossible for ordinary people to see without the aid of spellcraft. However, he can still be heard. Using an Attack ends the effects of this spell.Self | Over Time | Up to 10 Rounds

Misc. Information

THE BLACKSTONE FAMILYThe Blackstones are a wealthy artisanal family from a medium-sized city in Irial. They specialize in the engineering of arcane runes and frequently collaborate with the Arcane College in Xisiji. The Blackstones are especially known for the application of runic circles in everyday tools for the layman. Their clever runic engineering has created sharper shears, speedier wagons, and longer lasting crystal-powered effects. Their motto is: "To bring the ease of magic to the common man." An altruistic and philanthropic message.Berengar Blackstone — A brilliant runemaker and the patriarch of the Blackstone family; a brusque, strict, but well-meaning father. He takes his work seriously, but always has time for his family. However, he does not know how to parse his emotions well and learning the truth about his son has put him in a state of shock. He has rejected the fake Nyxandrius.Giselda Blackstone — Wife and mother; a lady with dignity and a noble-heart. A woman of sharp intuition, she's long been aware that Nyxandrius was not truly her son. She'd known when the two had swapped places and played along regardless, growing fond of Nyxandrius' secret friend. When her son did not return, she grieved, but still accepted the little changeling as though he were her own.THE BLACKSTONE'S ART OF RUNEMAKINGThe Blackstones specialize in a runic magic system where carving geometric shapes into an object can conduct magic more effectively. The lines of geometry can effectively circle the magic for a longer period of time, allowing for a prolonged duration of effect. It is useful for those who cannot wield magic themselves, but benefit from tools that have been infused with magic. More complex geometric runes can loop the magic forever, or at least until the carvings start to wear (like teleportation circles). However, these complex interwoven runes are extremely rare and take years to prepare. Along with the production of rune-enhanced tools, the Blackstone family are also part of the upkeep of teleportation circles in Irial.In gameplay mechanic terms, arcane runes will increase the duration of a magical effect on a tool or item, but in return it will take longer to prepare.THE CHOSEN OF THE DEATH-ARCANA
Since he can remember, Nyxandrius has always had a spine-like brand running down his back. This Arcana Mark had never meant anything special to him — though he could, on occasion, intuitively sense when someone's end was near.Flowers tend to wilt at his touch and birds will stop chirping when he is near; dogs and cats will also shy away from him. Nyxandrius does not know whether this is because of his link with the Arcana of Death or if it is due to his true identity as a faceless one. Perhaps a mixture of both.Nyxandrius as a character encompasses both the upright and reversed aspect of Death. He represents a coming of change and endings — of new chapters. Of course, transformation is at the core of his nature as a changeling. Yet, all the more ironically, his personality is exactly the opposite. He fears change and resists it. He rejects his own nature and desires a stagnancy of the ego. Stability is what he desires, yet change is what he represents.THE CHANGELING'S FORM
The nameless, faceless, colorless thing is also vaguely mousey in appearance. Based off the Korean myth where a mouse will eat your hair and nail-clippings to become a doppelganger to replace you. Fitting — isn't it? — for the tale of Nyxandrius and the fake.

Nyx's Playlist

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