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Sulla
09-27-2018, 12:37 AM
There is a certain right by which we many deprive a man of life, but none by which we may deprive him of death; this is mere cruelty.

Updates in Red

Name: Octavius "Sulla" Maecenas
Aliases: Many
Race: Human
Hair Color: Dirty Blond
Eye Color: Green
Height: 5'10''
Weight: 169 lbs.
Occupation: Assassin and Serial Killer

Appearance: While many people often try to find opportunities to stand out from their peers, sometimes being a face in the crowd has its advantages. Octavius is attractive, though not so far as to be noticeable. His hair, clothing, and overall hygiene are compulsively kept clean to an almost unsettling level. His frame seems a bit small, but further inspection would unveil a fanatical devotion to physical fitness that have sculpted muscles fit for his needs.

Personality: Octavius is a convincing liar. He outwardly displays emotions of kindness, compassion, and humility to the point where one could swear he was too naive for the world. But behind every smile and sweet word beats the black heart of a man whose only pleasure is taking the life of another man. When it comes to his targets, Octavius spares no effort in their elimination. Planning the perfect hit is his ritual. Page upon page in his journal will be filled with detailed sketches of locations and people of interest, notes on routines, and contingency plans for any situation he can fathom. His strikes are surgical in precision, and the utmost care it taken to allow time for escape. His finest triumphs look like accidents, though a certain theatricality in him allows for leeway in his grizzly acts. When the deed is done, his trophies include a fattened bank account and journals that help him relive every sweet moment.

History: They say monsters are not born; there are traumas too great for the human spirit to bear. However, Octavius' life was never difficult. He lived comfortably as the son of wealthy merchants. His parents, though doddering, were neither abusive or neglecting. Their only flaw was their love that blinded them to the boy they would raise.

By the time he was twelve, Octavius' father stopped buying pets for his son. He considered them a bad investment, when one too many times their newest puppy would be dragged off by wolves. Though trails of blood that led to a nearby thicket on their property were all the evidence that remained, the astounding tales of how Octavius received wounds trying to defend his beloved pet earned him a reputation as a kindhearted fool. Even when rumors surfaced that his playmates had been injured during a play fight gone awry, Octavius was seen clumsy for his lack of restraint. Suspicions did not have time simmer. News of the boy's death in a carriage accident swept the village in a fit of mourning. His body was rendered unrecognizable from the beasts that had fed on the remains, and that village had buried Octavius and any ill-will towards him during an extravagant funeral.

What remains now is a mystery. The boy survived and never returned to change people's minds. He'd grown into a man, strong and skilled. What training he'd received is a secret known only to Octavius. Even his clientele are kept in the dark about his past. Only his targets catch a glimmer of what transformed a soulless youth into predator. But not for long.

Skills:

Combat: Octavius is above average in hand to hand combat. His style is not ideal for direct confrontations, but he's well versed in counters, weak points, and submission moves to help even odds. When he does use a weapon, he prefers a small blade to keep his hands free as much as possible.

Security: Though by no means an expert, Octavius has a solid idea behind the workings of locks and other secured items. Given enough time, there are few things that are safe from his reach.

Genius: Octavius is brilliant for his age, and shows a quick wit in dire situations. So long as he can keep a clear head, there is bound to be a well calculated plan to follow.

Abilities:

Empathy: Through some strange combination of rigid training and mind altering substances, Octavius has gained the ability to connect to a single target through eye contact. When activated, he feels what the other feels and vice versa. Through his target's eyes, Octavius lives out every twinge of fear, hate, love, and pain. And those he connects too can feel the cool draft of emptiness deep within his dead soul. Only faintly, through the cold and the dark can they see the grim approach of eagerness, of hunger and rage, that lurks in his void of a heart. The ability is activated at will, and can only be stopped by breaking eye contact.

Through constant use and a desire to feel more completely, Sulla has learned to twist his gifts more to his liking. Once a connection through eye contact has been established, the killer can manipulate the feelings of his victim without them ever knowing. While this isn't mind control by any stretch of the imagination, the lies that roll so naturally off his tongue are sweetened by a giddiness he can instill, or his threats become all the more chilling with a spike of fear down the spine.

These feelings last only as long as eye contact is maintained, and can be resisted by those either aware of what is happening, or by those of strong will. No true last feelings will remain, though there may be memories of the encounter. These feelings, too, aren't able to fully control an individual. No paralyzing fear or crippling anxiety. Only lesser feelings of pleasantries or unease.

Stealth: In parts unknown, Octavius has learned well in the arts of remaining unseen and unheard. He knows how to soften his steps, creep through the shadows, and leave without a trace. Though impressive, he is still only human and lacks the years needed to make one a master. Still, he has not been caught yet. There is no supernatural element to this, and if seen, he can not simply slip into obscurity again.

Endurance: Meditation has many advantages for a peaceful mind, but for one that screams and writhes in constant hate, it is a necessity to keep some semblance of sanity. Through focus of spirit and flesh, Sulla has gained an unnaturally strong ability to endure pain and fatigue, nearly twice that of a normal human, allowing him to push through the tortures of others or ones he puts himself through with more ease.

Equipment:
Glasses: (http://www.althanas.com/oldworld/showthread.php?28386-Wear-It-Like-a-Second-Skin) A pair of glasses, enchanted to make it impossible to remember any other detail of meeting the wearer besides the fact he wore glasses. Does not affect those of heightened perception abilities and levels.
Straight Razor: (http://www.althanas.com/oldworld/showthread.php?28386-Wear-It-Like-a-Second-Skin) Enchanted to never rust.
Treasure Map: Earned in the Adventurer's Crown Round 1 (http://www.althanas.com/oldworld/showthread.php?28966-Round-1-Group-6), the holder of it may earn a 100% increase of GP in any thread, with a 500% GP increase if the thread is used to actually hunt for treasure. (http://www.althanas.com/oldworld/showthread.php?29164-Adventurer-s-Crown-Prizes)
Knife: One steel knife of unremarkable quality or make. 10" long with a handle carved from cherry wood.
Several changes of clothing: ranging from peasant outfits to coverings more deserving of the higher class.
Several Empty Journals: Leather bound and just waiting to be filled!

Shinsou Vaan Osiris
09-27-2018, 02:45 AM
Hey there Sulla, thanks for bringing this update to the table. I just want to clarify part of your Empathy update - this reads to me like a power of suggestion, so to speak (as you say, not mind control). How intense can the ability get? Is it just limited to the description or can it delve, for example, into installing depression or anxiety in someone?

I just want to get a good handle on the upper reaches of this ability. Otherwise I think we're good to go.

Philomel
04-25-2019, 03:07 PM
Hello.

This is going to be archived. If you would like it to be reopened please contact a member of staff.

Philomel - adminstrator

Sulla
04-13-2023, 08:59 PM
Updated in green.

I'm quick at my work.

Rehtul Orlouge
04-14-2023, 09:52 AM
I'll step in here and finish up. You're approved. I'll move this to the appropriate forums. Welcome back