Baphomet

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Baphomet, whose real name is Starwool, is a male NightWing politician from the Night Kingdom Selenia, and owner of the Claw Casino in the Sand Queendom. Baph has many connections to the underworld, and is quite a well-known figure there.
== 𖤐 Appearance ==
Like any NightWing, Baphomet’s scales are very dark, with a tint of reddish brown to them. On his back Baphomet has black short fur which is sprinkled with white spots like freckles. Because of this he was given the name Starwool in the first place. He also has freckles on his snout, forming a line like the milky way. The tip of his lower jaw is very prominent and darker than his main scales, as are the top scales. Along his body are light red plus shaped scales.
Baphomet’s horns have an unusual shape, curving forward like those of a ram. Just like his claws they are black. Baph’s lower tusks also stand out, being longer than usual and visible when his mouth is closed. The tail ends in a fluffy tuft, looking like a sort of paintbrush with white colour sprinkles. On his right palm is a crown shaped birthmark. Baph’s eyes are an unusual strong shade of green, with white pupils. He has prominent crow’s feet. Along his left eyebrow is a faint scar.
As a young dragonet he didn’t have as long horns, nor did they curve, seeming very regular. His fur was much longer, particularly around the face, covering his eyes. A deformity of his wing that he had since hatching had always given him trouble flying, however he is not fully incapable of doing so and just requires more breaks between long distances.
* Masquerade outfit: His mask is designed to look like a goat skull, gauntlets on his arms, a jabot and collar around the neck; ivory earrings that are cut to look like skulls
== 𖤐 Personality ==
In many ways Baphomet is a stereotypical corrupted political figure like you'd see in a movie. Baphomet is charismatic and knows what the crowd wants, using that to pull the strings in his favour, and gather a following. It seems like power is all he wants, and he stops at nothing to obtain it. To an extent though he genuinely wants to help the common dragons, but it's just so insignificant compared to his goal of obtaining popularity and status - useful tools for his revenge - and his plan to overtake everything.
It is easy to fall for Baphomet's charm and nobody should be blamed for falling for his act of kindness. Flattery and seeming helpful are some of the ways Baphomet makes people like, and want to trust him. Only very few get to know his true self, and when they do it's usually too late for them to turn back. Once you pledged loyalty to the devil, he will not let you go, and betrayal comes at a great price. 
In this world are very few dragons Baphomet actually cares for and everybody else is just a pawn on a big field of checkers, a toy he can play with and discard when not needed. Even those who seem close to him sometimes doubt if Baph's feelings for them are just lies as well just as so many things in his life are.
Though one cannot trust Baphomet's words when it comes to how he may feel about somebody, nor should one take his compliments at face value, his critical analysis and deduction are highly reliable and objective. Baph's lies should not endanger citizens as that is not his intent and he would never do such a thing on purpose. But while he avoids doing anything that could harm the masses and potentially Baphomet's image by them, he doesn't shy as much away from hurting an individual, be it for punishment, discipline or some personal gain. Yet it's rarely Baphomet himself who commits those acts, giving hired assassins, mercenaries and other followers a chance to earn money or even trust.
A confident aura filled with vigor and determination is something a capable leader such as him needs. It took Baphomet years to learn how to present himself properly. Every single detail has to be considered in order to keep up this mask. Don't be too perfect, don't be too flawed. Baphomet always checks everything around him, and it seems like he is always prepared. He is also one to easily notice things about others. When it comes to the common folk this skill is useful to figure out their needs and expectations, which aspect of theirs can be used to get them to love Baphomet and not another politician. But when it comes to opposition Baphomet will try to figure out how to appear better than them, use their flaws against them.
=== Dragonethood ===
Starwool was an introverted and not very social dragonet. He avoided people, holding some dislike for them, spending a lot of time on his own, hidden in his favourite spot, reading something. Books and scrolls were his favourite things, feeding his curiosity, and allowing him to experience things he otherwise couldn't.
When he did have to speak he came off as socially awkward, stuttering whenever he tried to say more than two words and never looking at the dragon who was talking to him. Starwool tried to keep interactions as brief and impersonal as possible. He was often nervous and quite frightful. But the dragonet had also a knack for inventions.
== 𖤐 Abilities ==
* Baphomet breathes reddish purple fire, like the colour of very strong wine.
* As any other NightWing, Baph can see well in the night and blend in with the darkness.
* Baphomet is able to predict the future, however his visions are always appearing at random, and typically only show things happening on the current day, making him have to plan fast for some potential disaster as time tends to be crucial. There's a reason he isn't one of the court seers.
* He is an excellent strategist and manipulator. Being able to predict the future also helps him pick better decisions, however he relies more on his own analysis and information that he gathered through spies.
* Baphomet is able to discern the taste of different wine specimens.
== 𖤐 Story ==
=== Childhood ===
The last thing Starwool's parents had thought of is that the happy life they have always dreamt of and seemingly achieved could just abruptly end one day. Starwool should have had a great childhood with two dragons who loved and cared for him by his side. His parents had been ready to give their little Wooly it all. But reality is rarely exactly what you want it to be, and the future Starwool's parents envisioned never came to be, nor did the dragonet ever find out what his parents even wanted him to be.
In a tragic incident both of his guardians lost their lives, leaving nothing but little Starwool behind. There was barely any inheritance to speak of.
The shy and scared dragonet, barely old enough to fly, was seized by guards who moved him to Berlingen and left him at an orphanage. Starwool didn't understand anything, also never got an explanation, but eventually didn't even want one anymore. It didn't take long for his new pair of parents to appear: two nobles who had not been able to produce an heir. Though the dragonets were not of noble blood, this couple agreed to taking one in as their own instead of reaching out for an animus. Their choice was Starwool, not only because of his abilities, but also because they viewed his unusual and unique traits as beautiful and much more outstanding, just like a noble should be. One issue though: he was a bit too meek and weak for them.
Personality and confidence could always be worked on, especially if the dragon in question was still young and malleable. That's what his new parents believed. Starwool was granted special education, and given pretty much anything he wanted. The school was maybe a bit questionable, his teachers even more suspicious, and the time Starwool had spent there is not something he talked about much nor does he address it in the future. Somewhen during that time Starwool's personality shifted. Just as his parents wished he became more confident and stronger, physically and mentally.
=== Young Adulthood ===
With flying colours Baphomet graduated from school, making his parents proud, and showing them that they did not make a mistake with their adoption. Many other dragons were also impressed by this youngster, and had high hopes when he went into studying politics. "He would leave a great impact on the kingdom!" And dragons were not wrong with this. Soon after his first time on the stage Baphomet managed to get supporters and bring a little change for the commoners. Even if he grew up with nobles and was seen as such by most, Baphomet was born as one of the lower folk. Spiritually he was still connected to them. In the mind of those who knew this was the reason why he was so good at this, though objectively speaking it was really more his willingness to listen to commoners if anything.
Eventually he met Sunblessed (not sure how yet) and the two hit it off pretty fast. Their relationship was not public at first as Baph wanted to play it safe. Bliss on one hand respected that, but didn't fully keep quiet. Words of her having found a partner got around. Naturally, most of her friends were happy for her, but also curious on who the happy dragon was. Likewise there was somebody who did not like this. Despite what Bliss did afterwards, Baphomet did not hate her, instead starting to share more about himself after that, making Bliss trust him more.
About a year after starting dating they got married. Both got to support each other in their careers as Baph could fund medical research and the hospital his wife worked at, while Bliss could give him ideas for future campaigns and advertise him to others.
=== Adulthood ===
Knowing how tense the relationship between Sand- and NightWings was, Baphomet thought that it would be beneficial to work on that. Not only would that prevent future wars and other issues, it would also give Baph the potential to get popular with more NightWings and SandWings. A win-win situation. He managed to acquire the Claw Casino, creating a base for his operation. During one of his diplomatic trips he met the merchant Charoset. Not long after their relationship developed into something beyond mere acquaintances and they proposed to each other. There was a lot of outcry about this relationship from both sides, but Baphomet explained how a relationship like this could actually be beneficial to both sides and that it is a sign of peace. Dragons didn't know that Baphomet had ulterior motives for this relationship. Regardless of what anybody said, he would keep this up. The only dragon whose opinion mattered in this was Bliss, who initially also was unsure, but getting to know Charoset, she changed her mind.
* ink experiments
== 𖤐 Relationships ==
=== Sunblessed - Wife ===
It's clear that Sunny loves her husband, however it's less clear if the feelings are reciprocated by Baphomet. Most likely at some point in life he did love her, but nowadays he is too busy to even meet her. Occasionally Baph gifts her something, either as a sign that he still thinks of her or just to keep her love for him. He also sometimes gives her special tasks, making her believe that he needs her.
 
=== Charoset - Wife ===
Much like in Sunny's case, Baphomet doesn't see her often, but it seems like he does rely more on Charoset, giving her even an important job (managing the Claw Casino), and contacting her more frequently, even if the reason is usually business related. Charoset might be aware that their relationship is less of a romantic and more of a political one, but she does not mind.
 
=== Myotis - Butler ===
He may look meek, but Myotis is actually one of Baph's most reliable servants. He often follows his master on his travels, but also may get sent out to deliver messages as Myotis is one of the best flyers among Baphomet's subordinates. Baph mainly picked Myotis to make up for his own lack in flight skills.
=== Baron Masquerade - Political Enemy ===
Masquerade's bloodline is quite influential in Selenia. This makes them a thorn in Baphomet's eye, so he is planning to get rid of Mask. However it's not just eir political power that annoys Baph. He is bothered by Mask's arrogant demeanour, especially when it comes to how he treats Baphomet. So far any attempts of Baphomet's have failed.
=== Halo - Subordinate ===
A foreign mercenary whom Baphomet has hired for his own goals. Baph had to spend quite the sum to hire Halo and his colleagues, so Baph has high expectations from them. Although Halo has been doing a relatively good job for the most part, he still disappointed Baph when it comes to Halo dealing with Mask.
=== Decoy - Subordinate ===
One of the many spies that work with Baphomet. He never questioned Decoy's unusualness, because to him only performance matters, and so far Decoy has been bringing in the necessary information. The fact that his spy is a firebreathing RainWing is arbitrary to the task at hand, and Baph is not one to discriminate based on their tribe as long as they are useful.
=== Talc ===
A subject of the ink experiments that Baphomet funded. Talc was an orphan found by Charoset. Due to how much of a "success" Talc was, Baph decided to take Talc into his care, knowing that he would be eventually useful.
=== Adoptive Parents ===
Frankly, Baph does not like them. He didn't change for their sake. He didn't want to make them proud for their sake. It was actually all a plan, a stepping stone for Baphomet's career. To him those two are nothing but sheep. And maybe their expiration date will approach very soon.
=== Unnamed - Boss ===
They are a mystery for now. They're also part of the Arcane Firmament (TO BE EXPANDED)
== 𖤐 Trivia ==
* He was originally named Starwool because of his appearance. He considered the name too childish, which is why he chose Baphomet instead when going into politics.
** Baphomet is a demon often depicted as a goat person. Starwool/Baphomet shares some similarities to goats and rams.
* A wine connoisseur. He only drinks expensive wines.
* Dislikes dragonets, but at the same time he also considers them important tools.
* Would be a redditor definitely
* Possibly british and french (cringe) /j
** Actually he might have a british accent and talk like a victorian noble.
* Proposed a peace plan for Selenia and Ammos. Didn't go through though.
* He currently owns the Claw Casino. It's unknown what happened to the previous owner.
** Since he can't always be present, he leaves the casino in the care of a trustworthy worker.
* He isn't a huge fan of Ammos' food specialties.
* Baph has been to Glacielle before. Couldn't say that he enjoyed his stay in the cold.
* Throughout his dragonethood Baphomet had been a bad flier, struggling to keep balance. Though this has improved, he still prefers to walk.
** If necessary he will send out his servant in his stead. They'll always arrive faster than Baphomet ever could. Plus that saves him some potential embarrassment. 
* He frequently suffered from nightmares and insomnia during his youth. The first has improved over the years, but Baphomet still may not get enough sleep. Nowadays the reason is usually work.
* Baphomet sometimes visits Celestia Fortuna for the gladiator spectacles. He also sees this as a form of diplomatic move.
** Due to the distance he rarely goes there as trips can last up to two weeks, not just because of the capital being so far, but also because of Baphomet's wing. More commonly he goes there after a trip to the Vulture Den, saving him a little bit of the trip.
== 𖤐 Gallery ==
 Hehe funny sheep man.png
 Starwool times two.png
 Alignment Meme 1.png
Category:Characters
Category:Males
Category:NightWings
Category:Occupation (Government)
Category:Occupation (Criminal)
Category:Status (Nobility)
Category:Status (Prodigy)
Category:Subtype (Moonborn)