Richard Anscham

For up-to-date information, see Richard's character sheet on Sufficient Velocity.

## Basic Info

Titles and Affiliations: Leader of the Church of Mercy, Foremost Researcher of the Catalyst, the Hands of the King, Founder of Harvey Jay Algrith's Blasphemous Congregation, Ally to Archdemon Yech

Nicknames: Demon of Faith, Demon of Gluttony, Demon of Speed, The Father of Compassion, The Father of Honesty, The Father of Healing, The Lord of Excess, The Lord of Light, The Father of Love, Conqueror of the Ruins, The Beast Tamer, Reaper, A Man of All the Gods

Age: 25

Date of Birth: The 2nd of the Setting (or Blinding) Moon

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 300lbs

Hometown: Pontos

Place of Residence: Eadric, Daybreak Citadel

Identifying Features: Curly brown hair, startling green eyes, covered in scars from head-to-toe. Most notably has a crooked nose (broken multiple times without setting correctly), and a deep gash across the chest from abusive invocations of Dream. Almost always seen wearing a small, golden locket in lieu of a traditional holy symbol. Bears a symbolic golden ring on the left hand.​

## (Closely) Monitored Traits

Obsessive: The Catalyst— the phenomenon that turns men into demons— cannot turn Richard (33 times and counting). He will do anything to save the world from its influence.

Compassionate: Kindness, devotion, and love defines Richard. Easing the pain of mankind is his creed. Salvation is his bond. Some of his greatest allies are the worst mankind has to offer— and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Masochistic: Be it for the sake of disarming his enemies, protecting his friends, or achieving physical feats that other men can only dream of— Richard prefers to look at his self-sacrificing nature as a selfless and positive attribute.

Unhinged: Richard's perception is not always accurate.

Insatiable: 7/8 churches agree that gluttony is a sin. Richard is courting the Goddess of the other one.

## Transcendence

A connection between Mercy, Agriculture and Richard— the sun, the earth, and the lover— has yet to be fully understood. The following abilities likely reflect the qualities of them all. They persist with or without invocation.

* Resistance to toxin: When present, Agriculture can pause or remove this at will.
* Identify all properties of life: Prior locations, current composition, an item's means of production, and any presence of poison can be deduced through the ingestion of edible substances. This is GREATLY heightened through invocations of Agriculture, to encompass almost any discernible property of the substance in question.
* Attunement: Mercy's and Agriculture's domains can no longer cause Richard pain in any respect. Damage sustained from these elements has been massively reduced as well. (E.g. Over-exposure to sunlight or heat, excessively imbibing any material, consuming poison, etc.)
* Ecstasy: Physical sensation pertaining to either Goddess (personal healing, weight, or otherwise making contact with Them/Their domains) has become continuously, disproportionately pleasant.
* Sensitivity: Proximity to natural substances directly correlates to a disruption in focus. It's been most noticeable with food and drink, but this applies to all sources of life and light.
* Limitless: All aspects of life and death are susceptible to Richard's increasingly insatiable nature. Be it on research or recreation, hunger and fullness are no longer obstacles. They are enablers.

## Green Thumb

> "May this flower take root in the soil of my flesh. Flourish in the garden of our creation, and grow to be as beautiful as *my Goddess.*"
>
>

The Goddess of Agriculture manifested a divine green dahlia and gifted the flower to Richard. Tasting it gave him a sample of Agriculture's works. After consuming the item in full, Richard has received a slew of abilities that pertain to **all** of Agriculture's domains.

The following table is nowhere near an exhaustive list, but Richard has been strongly encouraged to indulge in Agriculture's works *whenever* possible.

*Prominent Green Thumb Abilities and Effects*
 Increased virility.
 At-will resistance to poison.
 Can accelerate growth.

## Mundane Skills

Healing: Having been trained in the art of medicine under the Church of Mercy, Richard's skill is renown. He has occasionally heard rumor that he is regarded as the most capable healer in the nation. (Given all that Richard has accomplished, he is inclined to believe them.)

Demonic Expertise: As the foremost researcher of the Catalyst, Richard is incredibly familiar with the weakness within the hearts of mankind. At a glance, he can typically recognize a demon's association with any deity, their general capabilities, and how to best approach them through his own skills (or invocation). This is not limited to his personal alliances with demons (such as his good friend Archdemon Yech), or his mission with Agriculture to offer salvation to any demon who seeks it.

Diplomacy:

> "Being a gentleman means **much more** than saying 'please' and 'thank you,' or yielding to the whims of others. *That* is a shallow, and unfortunate representation of how a man should conduct himself. Being a gentleman means carrying yourself with confidence, and showing respect towards **all** people.
>
>
> When faced with hostility, a gentleman does his utmost to defuse the situation **without** violence. Only when violence is **inevitable** will a gentleman strike hard, and decisively— so as to not prolong the predicament. You should understand more than anyone that at times, all we can do is put a stop to this madness. To end our enemy's lives before they willingly become demons.
>
>
>
> Your canvas is not merely the walls of our home, or the form you assume. Sometimes we can do more. A gentleman seeks to understand the full picture. Do not *settle* for the mistakes of the past. *Let's paint a better vision for tomorrow.*"
>
>

Political Power and Influence:

> "Sometimes the world itself must be changed."
>
>

Thanks to Richard's position as the leader of the Church of Mercy, he is only second in power to the King of the nation. Requisitioning forces, reallocating supplies, or giving essentially any order to *any* individual within Corcaea would not be overstepping his boundaries. (Not everyone takes kindly to his shattered reputation, though. Some people disagree with his methods regardless of how much power he wields.)

Beast Taming: Father Anscham has said before that his dog is the real hero of his story. Be it dogs, horses, or lions (such as his treasonous knight), Richard excels in taming the hearts and minds of others. It's often said in jest that he's even been capable of taming the King Himself.

Combat: In addition to his veteran, first-hand experiences, Richard trained with the leader of the Church of Flesh for months— and Father Friedrich is a master of combat. Melee is his specialty. Though Piety is Richard's long sword, maces and shields make him feel right at home. Hand-to-hand combat, ranged, and exotic weapons are familiar to him, too. It doesn't hurt that his build and position as a man of all the Gods makes him an incredibly intimidating presence on the field of battle.

Fishing: Having grown up on the banks of the Eventide River, Richard's fondness for fishing was nurtured at an early age. Furthermore, he was relocated to the Church of Mercy— adjacent to the Morinburn River— and have often snuck out at night just to cast a line. He is incredibly proficient with spears and nets, and can fashion these implements on the fly. Father Wilhelm, leader of the Church of Dream, has shown him a few techniques with or without lures, as well.

Agriculture: Despite growing up during a famine, he has always had an affinity for all things that grow. Under the tutelage of Mother Phyllis Bethaea (martyred leader of the Church of Agriculture), they cultivated a new herb that can heal any poison. Richard has selflessly taken on curses in the name of the land, and carries the Goddess of Agriculture's favor. This is to say nothing of his deep appreciation for gardening. The sprawling grounds that he has nurtured around all of the Church of Mercy are his *legacy* as its current leader.

Literacy: Knowledge is power, and the Church of Spirit dictates who wields it. The majority of Corcaeans are illiterate— but Richard was trained in the art of reading and writing by his first mentor, Adrian Morris. This has enabled his scholarly pursuits, honed his mind, and granted him a deep love for the written word. Richard's calligraphy is quite nice, too.

In addition to Richard's literacy, he is regarded as a scholar. The vast majority of his research has been dedicated to the Catalyst, but he has never shy away from an opportunity for more knowledge. Religion, history, architecture, horticulture, and fiction are all subjects of his intense interest and study— enough to have called upon the Goddess of Knowledge Herself for further research.

## Mechanical Bonuses and Maluses

### Divine Pacts and Boons

#### Faith of a Goddess

> "Promise me, then. Promise me that you will live your best life. No matter what den of sin you must enter, or what enemies that come upon Our door. No matter what illness may befall you, or how dearly Our tenets are tested. Promise me that you will stay true to yourself, Richard. Your search for answers. All of your compassion, and humility, and love. Never stop sharing hope with the world. *Never let your light go out.*"
>
>

**+10 FAITH OF A GODDESS**

Richard has forged a PACT with a GODDESS.

This bonus can and will be lost if his word is not kept (e.g. actions unbecoming of Mercy's tenets, self-destructive behavior, and/or sabotaging his self-improvement.) Severe psychological and emotional consequences can and will result if his word is not kept and his promise is broken.

This permanent modifier applies to all actions befitting of Richard's promise to Mercy (e.g. forging new political alliances, sparing enemies, healing the sick, protecting the weak, etc.).

#### Atonement

> "You are not the Father of Temperance, Richard. You're the Father of Love. Compassion. Hope. *Give* yourself to the ones you care for. Find your lost children. Show them that there is an answer. Help me save our world.
> If anyone can bridge the distance between us all, it's you."
>
>

~~+10 TO CHANGE IS TO GROW~~

**+20 ATONEMENT**

Any action taken befitting of the Goddess of Growth, Generosity, Fertility, Life, Nature, Death, Harvest, Bounty, and Agriculture will receive this bonus. It can also be used to offset a portion of the maluses Richard currently has as a priest of Her church.

Actions taken that deprive Richard or his fellow man of Agriculture's blessing may permanently remove this bonus. (e.g. encouraging stagnation, ignoring an opportunity to give, neglecting his own growth, distorting the cycle of life and death via murder, etc.) Serious consequences will result from abusing this gift.

The Goddess of Generosity has been eager to answer Richard's demands for more of Her works, in the name of finding a cure for the Catalyst, and in devotion to Her. Maintaining the blessings Richard has already been given slowed the decay of the modifier. Excessive use of Agriculture's ability, upholding your oaths, and showing Her unrivaled devotion has made it permanent.

#### Indomitable

> Sitting upright and looking to the intense scars all along your thick wrists and calloused hands has never felt sweeter. You *did* want the evidence of your abuse to be *accentuated* by a demon. You **did** tell the demon of interpretation that excess and lust are the *lesser* of all evils. In your hands, gluttony and masochism can be tools of indomitable **willpower**. Pain and indulgence has been more than your shield.
> *The Lord of Light will not hide from his innermost darkness.*
>
>

**+10 INDOMITABLE**

All rolls to CONTROL Richard's response to pain or indulgence will now benefit from this bonus. The God of Visions is happy to accommodate a BROAD range of applications for his strengths.

#### Conquest

> "Your life has been spent in the pursuit of demons, their meaning, and where to find love in a loveless world.
> The God of Flesh wishes to reward your determination."
>
>

**+5 CONQUEST**

All actions taken that pursue Richard's goals towards the greater good of humanity— and a cure for the Catalyst— will benefit from this bonus. Disrespect towards Flesh, self-abuse, or return to behavior befitting of a demon can and will remove these gifts.

#### Integrity

> "Your life has been spent in the pursuit of demons, their meaning, and where to find love in a loveless world.
> The God of Vengeance also respects your interpretation of His will."
>
>

**+5 INTEGRITY**

In recognition of Richard's pursuit of justice, all actions taken that bring about greater fairness in the world will benefit from this bonus. Disrespect towards Vengeance, self-abuse, or return to behavior befitting of a demon can and will remove these gifts.

### Bonuses

#### Vim and Vigor

This is a recurring, temporary bonus granted from eating and drinking a significant amount in one sitting.

#### Liquid Energy

Every little bit counts. This minor, recurring bonus has been granted from caffeine, or proper nutrition on the heels of massive blood loss.

### Maluses

#### Soul Ache

A recurring pain has been felt in Richard's soul itself, in the wake of invoking Mercy and Agriculture for four days *straight.* This has steadily increased as he has invoked the Gods. He is unsure if there is a limit to how much you can push yourself, but the effects had become debilitating.

Richard currently has no soul ache, but he has been wary of invocation at the risk of rekindling this malus.

#### Nerve Damage

Richard's left leg was recently skewered by a barbed arrow, which was slick with a caustic poison. Though he successfully removed the object (and Mercy cauterized the location instantly by flooding it with molten gold), severe nerve and tissue damage was unavoidable. Dexterous movement and/or putting serious strain on this limb may be compromised for the foreseeable future.

#### Blood Loss

Due to a catastrophic surgery attempt on the floor of a cave (to remove a barbed and poisoned arrow), Richard recently lost a serious amount of blood. Naturally healing from this event reduced the malus over time.

### Variable Modifiers

#### Sacrifice

*Though this variable modifier is typically used to negate pain and/or severe physical injury, Richard has used his masochism to effect in a number of extremely effective ways. Self-sacrifice comes with its own host of drawbacks, however.*
 Can aid in intimidation.
 Delay treatment of injury or exhaustion.
 Major combative benefit.

#### Priest of Agriculture

*Loving the Goddess of Growth doesn't come without a few odd drawbacks. The weight that Richard carries has brought him no end of trouble— though the favor of Agriculture comes with a host of incredible bonuses, as well.*
 Identify any natural substance in any quantity (via ingestion)
 Weight can be useful.
 Major utilitarian benefit.

## Treasured Possessions

### Divine Gifts

The Relic of Mercy: See: The Relic of Mercy

   Mercy's Ring: This divine, solid gold ring is a symbol of Richard's and Mercy's commitment to one another, and is a physical reminder of the pact they both share. Severe psychological and emotional consequences can and will result if Richard's word to Mercy is not kept and his promise is broken.

Furor: See: Furor

### Locations

The Church of Mercy: See: The Church of Mercy

Daybreak Citadel: See: Daybreak Citadel

The Gardens of Daybreak Citadel: Breathtaking gardens sprawl in and around Richard's home. These herb gardens, orchards, recreational fountains, topiaries, and divinely blessed vineyards are his legacy as the leader of the Church of Mercy. Father Anscham has tended to the land here for over five years, and has even seen to the gardens with the Goddess of Agriculture.

Recently, he converted the foundations of Daybreak Citadel into an underground Church of Agriculture. This is thanks to the root system of his entire gardens, which have been grown into the bedrock of his home via an unprecedented invocation of both Mercy and Agriculture.

There is no understating what a positive impact his efforts have made on the populace of Eadric. Personal gardens are a common sight in almost every single home in Father Anscham's city.

### Magical Possessions

Yech's Flask: See: Yech's Flask

Yech's Enchanted Shield: See: Yech's Enchanted Shield

    Yech's Enchanted Mace: See: Yech's Enchanted Mace

Endless Satchel: See: Endless Satchel

Enchanted Robes: See: Enchanted Robes

### Mundane Weapons

Atonement: See: Atonement

Harvest: See: Harvest

Piety: See: Piety

### Letters

Father Edmund's Last Letter: See: Father Edmund's Last Letter

Beltoro's Apology: See: Beltoro's Apology

### Misc.

Dog-Shaped Fishing Lure: A gift from Father Wilhelm during Richard's seclusion in the Church of Flesh. It's easily one of the kindest and most precious things he has ever laid eyes on.

Father Wilhelm's Nightcap: This gold-threaded nightcap is covered in little embroidered animals. It has an exceptionally long tail, always helps Richard sleep better, is terribly stupid, and he loves it.