Xiphos

"A challenger on my stage? How... thrilling! But tread carefully, dear colleague. You might find my performance... overwhelming."
― Xiphos
Xiphos is a malevolent entity born in the Void, a dark realm that exists between multiverses. Drawn to the richness of human consciousness and the collective stories that form around it, he manifests in our world primarily through computer games. Xiphos resembles a grotesque version of Sonic the Hedgehog, with an appearance that embodies theatrics, terror, and elegance. Dressed like a Victorian-era ringmaster, he relishes orchestrating performances that are actually horrific scenarios designed to elicit fear and pain from his victims. His personality is a complex mix of theatrical grandeur, sadism, and narcissism. He demands perfection in his performances, although he hypocritically excuses his own faults as adding to the charm. Xiphos enjoys sarcastic quips and psychological warfare against those who challenge him. He enters games and stories by extending his consciousness into the human collective mind, anchoring himself in narratives that have gained significant attention and emotional investment. This allows him to insert himself into various forms of media, bending them to his twisted will. The more people focus on and invest emotionally in a narrative, the stronger his influence becomes.
== Appearance ==
Xiphos, the embodiment of macabre elegance, is a sight to behold. This fiendish figure's grand stature and daunting build are the first things one might notice. Standing at nearly nine feet tall, he dominates any space he inhabits, and his well-built frame, broad at the shoulders and tapering to the waist, is a grotesque parody of physical perfection.
Xiphos's fur, similar to Lord X's, is an ashy grey hue, fading almost to white in some places. His spiked back hair juts out dramatically, each point resembling the blade of a scythe under the right light, an image befitting his chilling persona. Two deep, cruelly carved scars form an 'X' on his stomach, a gruesome sight against his pallid skin.
But it's Xiphos's eyes that truly encapsulate his monstrous essence. His black sclera contrasts sharply with the incandescent red pupils that blaze like a pyre. The pupils fade to a ghostly white near the center, with a black 'X' cutting through them. It's a sight that has frozen many a victim in their tracks.
Adding to Xiphos's eerie countenance is his lengthy, neon-pink tongue, which he often flicks out in anticipation of the 'performance' to come. His massive hands end in wickedly sharp claws, a gruesome sight that belies the debonair charm of his attire.
Speaking of attire, Xiphos is always dressed to impress. His top hat, a dark grey number with a vibrant red band, sits atop his spiked hair, adding an air of aristocratic elegance to his terrifying presence. His long coat, a mix of raven black and the deepest blue, has tails that flair out dramatically, reflecting his theatrical personality. Beneath this, he dons a stark white shirt, a deep maroon vest, and a flamboyantly wide tie that matches his top hat's band. The ensemble is completed with a pair of glossy black shoes, their shine only broken by their pointed ends.
Xiphos is a sight that inspires awe and terror in equal measure, embodying the very essence of his theatrics. His presence is a horrific masterpiece, much like the performances he so enjoys. Every aspect of his appearance, from his garb to his grotesque physical features, serves to enhance the aura of dread that surrounds him, making him a truly memorable villain.
== Personality ==
Xiphos possesses an extravagant personality that's as much a part of him as his impressive physical form. He revels in the theatrical, cherishing every moment he spends on his self-devised 'stage.' His passion for his gruesome theatre is undeniable, viewing it as an art form of the highest caliber. 
Brimming with confidence and a deep sense of self-satisfaction, Xiphos presents himself with an air of grandeur. He's a master showman, weaving words and actions together into a spectacle that's as horrifying as it is compelling. His flair for dramatic monologues only adds to his horrifying charm, his rich vocabulary forming a macabre tapestry of spoken art. 
Despite his theatrical veneer, Xiphos is inherently sadistic. His delight in eliciting screams, fear, and pain from his victims is palpable. The joy he derives from the torment of others is as much a part of his performance as his elaborate speeches.
Yet, beneath the dramatic showmanship and sadism, Xiphos is deeply narcissistic. He yearns for perfection in every performance, every scream, every display of fear. His obsessive pursuit of perfection can border on the manic, leading to flashes of terrifying anger when his performance is disrupted or falls short of his exacting standards.
He's also a hypocrite of the highest order. While demanding perfection from others, Xiphos often dismisses his own mistakes as improvisations or unexpected elements that add to the show's charm. This blatant double standard is yet another aspect of his twisted personality.
And finally, Xiphos's sarcasm is another tool in his psychological warfare. He uses it sparingly, reserving it for those he deems worthy—those who challenge him or possess powers similar to his. His sarcastic quips are often laced with underlying threats, serving as a chilling reminder of the horror that underpins his flamboyant performance. 
In essence, Xiphos is a theatrical terror - a maestro of dread who sees life as one long, horrific performance. Every aspect of his personality - the grandeur, the sadism, the hypocrisy, the anger, and the sarcasm - serves to further his gruesome art, creating a character that is as compelling as he is horrifying.
== Powers and Skills ==
Xiphos is as powerful as he is theatrical, and his array of abilities only adds to his sinister allure.
1. Reality Manipulation: Perhaps his most frightening power, Xiphos can twist and shape reality to suit his horrifying performances. This allows him to craft intricate, terrifying scenarios for his victims, playing into their deepest fears and traumas.
2. Illusion Crafting: With a flick of his wrist, Xiphos can weave elaborate illusions. These illusions are terrifyingly real to their victims and allow Xiphos to control every facet of the spectacle he creates.
3. Shadow Manipulation: As a creature born of the Void, Xiphos can control and manipulate shadows to terrifying effect. He can use these shadows to hide, to attack, or to create a sinister ambiance for his performances.
4. Teleportation: Xiphos can appear and disappear at will, adding a touch of the unexpected to his horrific shows. It allows him to always be one step ahead of his victims, contributing to their sense of impending doom.
5. Telepathy: Xiphos can delve into the minds of his victims, often using this ability to torment them further. He can access their deepest fears, their secrets, and their regrets, using these as material for his nightmarish performances.
6. Enhanced Strength and Agility: Xiphos is significantly stronger and faster than any normal creature. His immense strength is often on display in his performances, while his agility allows him to perform death-defying acrobatics as part of his shows.
7. Theatrical Combat: Xiphos has a unique combat style that is, fittingly, highly theatrical. Every movement is dramatic, every strike an event. He has a flair for turning combat into a spectacle, with his victims often reduced to unwilling participants in his deadly dance.
8. Fear Inducement: A natural extension of his persona and abilities, Xiphos can instill a deep, paralyzing fear in his victims. This fear is more potent than any natural fear and can drive its victims to madness.
Every skill and power Xiphos possesses is utilized to its fullest in his performances, crafting a nightmare experience that's as riveting as it is terrifying. His skills and powers reflect his theatrical personality and love for the horrific, making him a formidable foe on any stage.
== Backstory ==
In the limitless expanse of the Void, a dark realm that dwells between multiverses, a cataclysmic burst of cosmic energy stirred consciousness within a swirling mass of dark matter. Thus, a being was born, a living entity who would come to name itself Xiphos.
In the stark, endless landscape of the Void, Xiphos existed in solitude. With nothing but void and darkness as far as the entity could perceive, a deep yearning for interaction and companionship grew within him. As time passed, Xiphos began to pick up distant reverberations of different realities brushing against the fringes of his existence. One universe, in particular, resonated with him. It was full of life, color, and, most importantly, a rich tapestry of stories - the world of Mobius.
Drawn towards it, Xiphos extended his consciousness to Mobius. As he touched the collective consciousness of Mobius's inhabitants, he was flooded with an array of experiences, emotions, and tales that were alien yet intriguing to him. One thing that particularly caught his attention was the Mobians' art of performance - tales of heroism, drama, and fear that evoked powerful emotions in the audience.
Inspired by these findings, Xiphos decided to craft his own form, something that reflected the characters he found fascinating. He chose an imposing figure similar to a beloved character of the Mobians - Sonic - but added his own horrific twists to the design. He adorned himself with a tailcoat and a top hat, resembling the attire of the performers whose art he had grown to admire, and christened himself 'Xiphos', a term he discovered in ancient Mobian texts that resonated with his role as the 'sword' slicing through the dullness of the Void.
Yearning to partake in the art of performance himself, Xiphos sought an audience. His attention turned towards the Mobians, the creatures whose narratives had kindled his interest. Descending upon Mobius, Xiphos started his 'performances.' He morphed reality into terrifying tales, feeding on the fears and traumas of the Mobians and turning their world into his grand stage. He reveled in their reactions; their screams were his applause, their dread his ovation.
And so began the era of Xiphos's terror. His performances became whispered legends, a chilling tale of the performer birthed from the Void. He was feared, yet his presence drew those with a curiosity for the macabre. For Xiphos, every performance brought him closer to his vision of perfect horror, and he wouldn't stop until he had achieved it.
== Trivia ==
* Xiphos's form, while inspired by the Mobian character Sonic, is entirely his own creation. It incorporates his own interpretations and additions, showcasing his creative abilities.
* Despite his fearsome appearance and terrifying performances, Xiphos has a fascination with the art of drama and performance. This is reflected in his attire, which mimics that of classical performers and entertainers on Mobius.
* Xiphos is known for his dramatic flair. His every entrance, action, and word are meticulously crafted for the best theatrical impact.
* One of his favorite disguises is adding a thin, twirling evil cartoon mustache to his already distinguished attire. He finds amusement in this comical touch and often twirls it as part of his performances.
* Xiphos does not perceive himself as a villain. In his mind, he is merely a performer, and his horrific actions are all part of the show. His victims are his audience, and their fear is his standing ovation.
* Xiphos can manipulate his form at will, including his size and weight, thanks to his dark matter constitution. This allows him to adapt his appearance to better fit the narrative he's crafting.
* Despite his love for performance and spectacle, Xiphos despises silence during his acts. Any sign of confidence or resistance from his victims is met with anger, disrupting his 'perfect' performance.
* Xiphos's laughter is often described as chilling and haunting. It echoes across his performance spaces, reinforcing the eerie atmosphere he cultivates.
* Though a powerful entity, Xiphos is not invincible. He can be outmaneuvered or outwitted by clever opponents. However, he is relentless in his pursuit of the 'perfect' performance, making him a persistent adversary.
* When irritated or annoyed, Xiphos can become quite sarcastic, particularly around beings that match or surpass his power level. These are rare moments when his carefully curated performer persona is slightly peeled back.
* Xiphos has no concept of 'morality' as understood by Mobians. His actions, no matter how horrific, are to him merely parts of his performance. This disconnect often leads to even more terrifying scenarios in his 'shows.'
* The way Xiphos twists his performances into horrifying experiences could be influenced by the tragedy genre in theatre. Tragic plays often involve the downfall of the protagonist, a theme Xiphos appears to enjoy replicating with his victims.
* In his own way, Xiphos has been influenced by the bravery and determination of many Mobians, particularly Sonic. His form is inspired by Sonic's appearance, perhaps as a twisted homage to the famous hero.
* Xiphos's dramatic language and theatrical gestures may be influenced by classical stage productions. These include verbose monologues, exaggerated expressions, and carefully timed dramatic pauses.
* The gruesome body horror elements that Xiphos incorporates into his performances could be inspired by the horror genre in entertainment. His ability to manipulate his form allows him to create some truly horrific scenes. 
* Despite his anger when his victims show confidence, Xiphos may be influenced by the stories of Mobian heroes overcoming their fears. He expects his 'co-stars' to play their parts in the tragedy he scripts, mirroring these heroic narratives, albeit with a twisted outcome.
* Xiphos's hypocritical nature, where he can make mistakes but his victims cannot, may be a twisted take on the concept of 'dramatic irony' in theatre, where the audience knows something the characters do not. In this case, Xiphos views himself as the director and the star of the show, allowing himself liberties he denies others.
* Underneath the veneer of theatricality, Xiphos is a deeply egotistical being. He demands perfection and adoration, viewing himself as the star of every show. This is reflected in his intense anger when his victims resist or when they show confidence.
* While Xiphos presents himself as an entertainer, he has a deep dislike for genuine humor or levity. His idea of comedy is twisted and often results in pain and suffering for his victims.
* Despite his outward confidence and bravado, Xiphos deeply fears irrelevance and obscurity. His desire for an 'audience' is as much a need for validation as it is a craving for fear and suffering.
* Despite his monstrous actions, Xiphos dislikes being compared to conventional villains. He sees himself as a performer and artist, and his actions as part of a grand narrative rather than mere villainy.
* Behind his performer persona, Xiphos is a very solitary creature. He doesn't have allies or companions, and he views other powerful entities with suspicion and competitive resentment.
* Xiphos has a distinct dislike for interruptions during his performances. Unexpected interruptions, such as other EXEs or an unexpectedly brave victim, infuriate him.
* While his chosen form is inspired by Sonic, Xiphos doesn't particularly like or admire the Mobian hero. Instead, he enjoys the irony of twisting the image of a beloved hero into something terrifying.
* Despite his enjoyment of Mobian culture, Xiphos has no love for Mobians themselves. To him, they are merely actors in his performances, to be manipulated and discarded as he sees fit.
* Underneath his top hat, Xiphos's head shape is similar to Sonic's, but with more pronounced and sharp features, hinting at his violent nature and his departure from Sonic's friendly image.
== Quotes ==
"Ah, my dear, don't you see? This is not pain, this is the applause of our grand performance, the crescendo of our act. Your screams, they're my standing ovation!"
"Shhhh... quiet now, the curtains rise. Embrace your role, my dear. This is not the end, no, it's your spectacular debut."
"Fear, oh how it dances in your eyes! It's the perfect backdrop for our little play. Embrace it, my dear co-star, for it's the grandest of all emotions!"
"Tears? No, my dear, those are not tears. Those are simply... stage effects. A little real-life drama to enhance our show. How... exquisite!"
"Pain? But that's just the harsh critic we all must face. It merely sharpens our performance, strips it down to the raw, visceral truth."
"Can you hear it? The silence after the final note, the hush before the applause. That's the void, my dear, and you... you are its star."
"You see, my darling, in our grand spectacle of horror, you are not the victim. Oh no, you're the leading star. And every star must suffer for their art."
"Remember, my dear, there's no success without suffering, no performance without pain. In our grand act, you are not just a participant, but a sacrifice to the art."
"The limelight, my dear, is not for the faint of heart. It demands sacrifice, and oh, how beautifully you bleed for it."
"You may cry, you may scream, but remember, my dear, each cry is a note, each scream a symphony. Together, we create the most horrific of all orchestrations."
"Ah, my delightful co-star, do you feel the weight of the limelight? Its radiance is as cold and harsh as the void itself, yet it illuminates our stage, painting such a fascinating tableau of dread and despair!"
"Revel in the moment, dear one! This exquisite agony you're feeling is no mere pain—it's the high note of our grand performance, the crescendo echoing in the great auditorium of existence."
"Your fear is palpable, darling, like the suspenseful silence that fills the theater just before the overture begins. It's intoxicating, adding such a delicious tension to our macabre duet."
"My dear, the tragedy we're scripting is pure, raw, and unfiltered. Every tear you shed, every gasp you utter, it's all contributing to the poignant drama we're weaving!"
"Do you not perceive it? The grandeur in your suffering? Each pained expression, each tremble, they are but eloquent soliloquies in our dark sonnet of despair."
"Ah, the sweet orchestra of your sobs! They ring through the void like a tragic aria, a haunting melody that resonates with the very essence of our performance!"
"Every wail, every whimper... It's a standing ovation, echoing through the theater of life and death. Your pain is our applause, the rave reviews of our grotesque spectacle."
"The pain, my dear, is not a punishment. It's an initiation, a rite of passage into the grand theater of existence. Welcome to your debut, darling. Now, let the performance begin!"
"Do not shy away from your role, sweetheart. Embrace it! After all, every actor must taste the sting of the critic's lash. It is a necessary baptism, one that truly initiates you into the thrilling drama of life and death."
"This, my lovely co-star, is not the end. Oh no, it is but the thrilling cliffhanger, the suspenseful pause before the final act. How magnificently dramatic!"
"Silence? No, no, NO! This is not the time for a quiet interlude! The orchestra must play on, my dear. Your screams are the symphony of our grand show!"
"Dare you raise the curtain on confidence? In my theater, there is no place for such misplaced bravado. Fear is your script, pain is your performance. Do not forget your lines!"
"Perfection, my dear, is not a choice. It is a necessity! And I see your courage threatening the impeccable harmony of our drama. Such insolence cannot be tolerated!"
"Ah, a stumble on my part? No, no, think of it as an... unexpected plot twist. See? Even in our darkest act, I remain the ingenious improviser!"
"This isn't a rehearsal! You cannot pause, you cannot falter. The audience is waiting, the void is watching. Your performance must go on!"
"You dare to break character, to introduce confidence into our macabre ballet? Your defiance is an unwelcome disruption. I assure you, the consequences will be dire."
"You mistook a misstep for a chance to rise? Oh, how tragically mistaken you are, dear. There are no second acts in my theater, only a relentless march towards your final scene!"
"Remember, my darling, every error is a deviation from our meticulously scripted horror. Should you dare to deviate, I assure you, the penalty will be excruciatingly memorable."
"A slip of my tongue, you say? A minor detail, dear. A maestro like me weaves every discordant note into the composition, making the symphony of terror all the more haunting."
"Your courage... it's ruining the melody of fear we're creating! Stop straying off-script, darling. The show must go on, and you WILL play your part!"
"Oh, another performance artist, how... riveting. I hope you don't mind if I yawn through your tragedy."
"A fellow maestro of the macabre? Please, your crescendo barely reaches a whimper. It's like a poorly rehearsed pantomime."
"Ah, a fellow performer! How... quaint. Do you also bring the house down with your delightful antics, or is mediocrity your forte?"
"So, you fancy yourself an impresario of the interdimensional, do you? How utterly... pedestrian."
"Yet another pretender to the throne? I must say, your performance is somewhat lacking. A bit flat, as it were."
"Another interloper from the void, I presume? How charmingly cliche. One would think you'd bring something more... original."
"A fellow exile from the void? How utterly tiresome. Your grand entrance lacked the necessary flourish. Perhaps take some notes from my script."
"Your performance lacks panache, dear colleague. Perhaps you should spend more time rehearsing and less time posturing."
"Your entrance was quite the spectacle, I must admit. Although, I daresay, your theatrics could use a touch more... refinement."
"Another exile from the void with delusions of grandeur? How terribly... expected. I daresay your symphony of terror is more akin to a dreary dirge."
"Silence?! This is my grand theatre, not a library! I demand applause, screams, cries! Perform, my dear!"
"How dare you hold your tongue in the midst of my spectacle! The stage thrives on your voice. Screams are the music to my ears!"
"A missed cue? No, no, no! This will not do. This performance must be perfect. Every beat, every note, every wretched cry!"
"You step on my stage with courage? With confidence? Inexcusable! I'll wring the fear out of you until you're singing the right tune!"
"Impertinent fool! You dare interrupt my performance? Every moment, every act is meticulously planned. How dare you throw off my rhythm!"
"Your audacity infuriates me! This is my stage, my masterpiece of horror. You will not tarnish it with your misplaced valor!"
"What's this? You dare laugh in the face of my performance? I am the conductor of this symphony of screams, not a jest for your amusement!"
"Insolence! This stage, this performance, it's all mine! Who do you think you are to disrupt the sanctity of my theatre?"
"Quiet? In my theatre? I didn't compose this symphony of dread for it to fall on deaf ears! Your silence offends me!"
"Your boldness is infuriating! You're here to play a part in my show, not to challenge its conductor! Now, scream for your role!"
Category:EXEs
Category:OCs