The Emberwolf
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Description:
Towering and predatory. Restrained power bristles along each and every inch of his frame. Clearly, the lupine is something out of a primitive nightmare. Even thick fur does little to obscure honed musculature. Primordial features dominate, calling to mind ancient beasts and dire wolves. Vicious teeth hide behind a muzzle both massive and sleekly designed. Muzzle is flanked by jowls meant for crushing bone and driving teeth through flesh. Male's chest is massive, capable of
the heaving breaths taken during a hunt or fight. Arms ripple and swell along their length, and end in broad hands tipped with glossy, black claws. Legs contain an animalistic bend, putting the beast on the toes of wide paws. The same sort of claws tend to click when he walks on a solid enough surface. Dew claws adorn his heels, a finishing touch to fierce image.
Breed:
Primal Canidae
Wolf traits are exceedingly dominant
There are hints of jackal in the ears and face.
Tail is large and thick like a vulpine.
Fur is long and thick in most other places.
Horns adorn his head.
Ethnicity:
Clearly an ancient, and even mystical beast. Features are somewhat more sleek and angular than average, but pleasantly so, giving him a hard-to-place, exotic appearance compared to other canines. Eyes appear to be those of a fox. Teeth are thicker and longer than the standard wolf, and may remain exposed over his lips if his mouth isn't closed properly.
Scent:
Unapologetic. Xorath is lupine, and most certainly smells like one. Scents of the forge, or whiffs of wood smoke or cooked meat will sometimes cling to him. If wearing anything to mask his scent, it is a mix of sandalwood, pine, honey, and citrus that compliments a natural musk. Thankfully this musk, while undeniably male and typically noticeable despite good hygiene, is not overpowering. The scent is typically appealing to canid creatures (and to a lesser extent, humans) of the opposite sex due to rather powerful pheromones. This might cause alarm or uneasiness, or excitement and anticipation, depending on the individual. Feline and reptilian noses may find it more desirable to turn away from him in general, but it can be an acquired taste/enjoyment to some to have a 'smelly mutt' near them.
Voice:
A low, gravelly, and rich bass tone, carefully and subtly modulated to please those that listen to him.
MoreIt's a voice that demands, and seeks to hold, attention, even while it remains easy on the ears. Rarely does Xorath find that he needs to speak up, and the forming habit of only speaking when needed is beginning to highlight each word spoken with importance. Wolf has the lightest of accents, suggesting that Common (English) is not his first language. It tends to hold a bit of a stern edge to it at all times unless he's exceptionally pleased. Rhythm of his words could be described as lazy and ponderous in most situations. If compared to anything tangible, his voice would be dark chocolate. Bittersweet and smooth, but harsh if enjoyed improperly or unused to it. In the rare case that he raises his voice, a deep rumble will join the shouting. Eyes will widen and muzzle will wrinkle, allowing words to be effectively spat out between sharp teeth.
References:
Mufasa - Noble, booming, deep.
Crossed with...
Daud - Rumbling, gravelly, world-weary.
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-Weapons -
-Hands, elbows, knees, horns, teeth, claws;
-Custom Arming Sword;
-Xo'hijiliem Cilhe (Annihilation's Echo - Longsword)
-Natural Weapons
Though Xor'Athalos prefers the visceral feeling of his own teeth, claws, and horns tearing into his prey, for well-armored enemies he will resort to use of his expansive ability to control fire and various other magics. As for the claws and teeth themselves, expect oddly sharp and durable tips for a wolf. Xorath's unnatural strength should always be taken into account, and knuckles will often be used when his intent is not to kill.
-Custom Arming Sword
-Annihilation's Echo
A specialized weapon used in certain sacrificial ceremonies, or against powerful beings. This weapon is dangerous to both wielder and foe.
The sword, forged by Xor'Athalos himself with dark intent, is wrought from otherworldly material and infused with every manner of twisted magic and curse that he could viably make work within a single blade. Its purpose is to grant true death to beings capable of rebirth like himself. The key component of the cursed blade is the property to [Unmake], and it fares well against both physical and magical threats, unravelling the forces that hold magic, or one's very soul, together. Wounds inflicted by it will not heal properly, and are slow to close. Armor helps significantly against this weapon, but will not dull or chip the blade. While wielding it, Xor'Athalos has no access to his own magics, rendering him as vulnerable to harm as any other overly tall mortal creature. As such, this weapon sees very little use; typically more commonly wielded against very specific targets.
Neck - Amulet
A simple amulet seemingly made from garnet. No distinct shape, but it seems to be important. Any room darker than candlelight will reveal a steady double-pulse of a red glow, much like a heartbeat.
Body - Clothing
-Practical, comfortable, and lavish when assuming the identity of Marcus Falworth. Marcus is a noble lord, and he dresses as such at all times. If there is a situation that would require him to dress down to blend in, then that is a situation that he can send someone else to deal with.
-As Xor'Athalos, the wolf covers his body in gold, gems, and usually a simple loincloth for ease of undress.
Accessories - Jewelry
-Two golden earrings in his left ear, near the middle on the outside. They clink together when his ear flicks in annoyance or in response to a noise.
-A golden ring adorns his right index finger with his house insignia for easily wax-sealing messages. A second golden ring is on right ring finger, a serpentine wolf that appears to have caught its own tail.
-On his left hand, an elaborate wedding band of white-gold and ruby adorns his ring finger, and a more simple platinum band joins it. Indications of his marriages to Astrid Falworth and Narda Leonstahl-Falworth.
Pockets/Belts - Money/Items
One-hundred platinum coins, one red stone the size of a ping-pong ball wrapped in runed cloth, one handkerchief, a shot glass, a keyring with six keys on it.
Class/Archetype: Elementalist - Esoteric Caster
Subclass: Sorcerer
Innate Fire Magic (Elemental Spirit)
Powers and Boons
Blood Magics
Soul Magics
Hexes/Curses
Runes/Ritual Circles
Binding Magic
Imbuement/Sacrificial Magic (Uses material components to invoke spells)
Fire is a powerful force, and is intertwined with Xorath's very existence. It can be produced and/or channeled for various purposes and to various degrees, but not without effort. Improper use may leave a pyromancer burnt. This art requires skill and focus. Mere power may be fearsome, and overwhelming, but there will be a cost. For those who are unwary, the cost is their life.
Unlike mages, Xorath does not convert an external source of raw energy into fire. While most certainly magic, it is not arcane. Xor's art is entirely more primal, and all the more difficult to control. Strong emotions, or nearby heat, may aid him in producing flame. Disruptive feelings like fear, or fighting in a rainstorm could cause problems. Fire is an expression of self for this creature, and its use is entwined with his mental and physical state. Over-channelling could have disastrous effects on his body without proper reinforcement.
Xorath is also capable of channeling fire energies into runes, rituals, and other externalized methods of enchantment. Any magic other than fire magic must be done in an appropriate environment or with the correct tools.
Alternative schools of magic the wolf has access to have been gained by researching at his temple, where sacrifices are made in his name by mortals who are convinced he is a god. These powers can be imparted to those who are loyal enough to gain his favor and blessings.
Strength and Endurance | Natural/Anomalous
Wind blows, rain falls, the strong prey upon the weak. Size and physical training alone do not account for Xor'Athalos' current-day might. Magical infusion combines with his physical fitness to give his flesh added resistance to physical trauma. It is the most basic of channeling techniques, and the first thing any aspiring mage must learn if they are to avoid killing themselves in the back blast of their own spells. Reinforcement allows his muscles also receive a boost, enabling him to lift, throw, and wield objects much heavier than even a brute his size should. Since this is a magical infusion of his flesh, something that dispels or drains this energy will render him far more vulnerable.
Channel: Heat/Fire | Anomalous
Xor'Athalos is a manifestation of the very concept of fire. He possesses such an understanding of thermal energy and the elemental force of flame that he can channel an astounding amount at one time into an inner reserve of biological and magical energy. He might have a threshold that renders him unable to process too much heat but it has yet to be tested to his limits. If wounded, this ability may allow him to heal at a greater rate by remaining somewhere near a source of flame. Conversely, cold and ice will slow healing and generally make his life difficult.
Enhanced Fertility | Anomalous?
Some form of alteration has occurred in Xorath's reproductive system. Proper stimulation will trigger the release of an abnormal amount of seminal fluid, increasing the chances of pregnancy. Of course, this requires a fertile female too ... but given that variable, the chances of reproduction are greatly increased. Cross-species insemination is possible but less likely. Altered anatomy has had an effect on the digestive process.
Hindrances
Strength and Endurance | Natural/Anomalous
Enhanced strength is a blessing, but it surely comes with a price. For Xorath, this price is paid when he loses his temper, and his strength becomes greater than his own body can handle. If the wolf falls into a rage, he can deliver blows capable of breaking his own body. Typically, a cool head and precise strikes will avoid this fate, but when his strength gets out of control, he's just as likely to hurt himself as he is his enemies.
Elemental Weakness: Water/Ice
Water and ice are two things that Xorath does not enjoy to any degree. The distaste for these elements is so intense that he opts to have slaves give him a tongue bath, and avoids drinks with excessive ice in them. Oceans terrify him, and are the reason he owns airships. Water and Ice magics will have quite the profound effect on him and his ability to concentrate on flinging fire, not to mention deal increased damage to his body and psyche. Completely soaking him in water will stop him from producing his own fire until he can evaporate the fluid, making a rainy day one of his greatest enemies. Continued immersion or contact with water or cold will erode the magical infusion toughening his body. Water is faster than cold.
Weakness: Poison
Thanks to his sensitive digestive system, poisons will dilute into his bloodstream more quickly and do more harm faster. One must be very careful to avoid accidentally giving him too much poison if they do not intend to kill him.
Weakness: Disease
A result of his adaptable genetics. While one would think his immune system would be enhanced, it only results in a wider variety of bacteria and viruses being able to take root in his body. He's typically very careful to avoid the sick and diseased due to this, and it can come off as being haughty and callous. Should he become sick, controlling fire may become difficult. Still, he will often choose to 'burn out' a sickness rather than risk death from even the most common of colds.
Weak Stomach
An odd mutation has left Xorath with an enhanced reproduction system, but a weaker digestive system for it. He requires a specialized diet consisting of raw meats and fruits.
Enhanced Fertility | Anomalous?
The financial drain caused by the need to keep quiet the birthers of his bastard spawn could be seen as a hindrance, yeah.
