William Shawell

**William Shawell**
***13.Feb.68 SC**-**13.Nov.112 SC***

**Place of birth:**Blackroost (city)

**William Shawell** stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of Tormentia's arcane history. Born in the nascent years of the world, Shawell hailed from the sprawling city of Blackroost. Esteemed as a profound scholar, his intellect and relentless pursuit of knowledge positioned him amongst the luminaries of his era. However, his prominence is not solely attributed to his academic contributions, but more notoriously to his tragic encounter with the dark entity Mephiston. This malevolent being cursed Shawell with an insufferable deluge of knowledge, thrusting him into the throes of madness. In this altered state, Shawell penned the "Inscrutable Codex," a grimoire that would resonate with eerie significance, particularly for its detailed exposition of the Ritual of Malicious Desires. Shawell's legacy, marked by both enlightenment and darkness, has indelibly shaped the arcane tapestry of Ebonwood and beyond.

## Biography

### Childhood

William was ushered into the world on the **13th of February 68 SC**, in the burgeoning city of Blackroost. His nascent years, while not extensively documented, provide glimpses into the formative stages of a scholar destined for profound contributions. Born to a family with modest means, Shawell displayed an insatiable curiosity and a prodigious aptitude for learning from a tender age.

The socio-political milieu of Blackroost during this period was marked by its pioneering spirit, with the city and the wider region of Ebonwood still grappling with its identity in a newly-formed world. Against this backdrop, young Shawell navigated his childhood, often escaping into books and scrolls, exhibiting an early inclination towards the arcane and scholarly.

Though detailed accounts of his familial relationships and early experiences are sparse, it is evident that Shawell's formative years played a pivotal role in shaping his intellectual trajectory. The city of Blackroost, with its confluence of cultures and ideas, undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the psyche of the budding scholar.

### Youth

The academic landscape of Blackroost during William's youth was characterized by its pioneering spirit, mirroring the city's broader endeavors in a world still in the throes of formation. Shawell's early education was facilitated at the Blackroost Scholarium, the city's premier institution for foundational learning.

At the Scholarium, Shawell's voracious appetite for knowledge quickly became apparent. He displayed an uncanny ability to grasp and synthesize complex topics, drawing the attention of his educators and mentors. The curriculum, though nascent, encompassed a diverse range of subjects from classical literature and philosophy to the rudiments of arcane arts. Shawell, however, showed a distinct predilection for the latter, frequently delving into ancient scrolls and texts that often lay beyond the scope of the standard curriculum.

His mentor, master Ogden Flintwhite, recognized Shawell's exceptional talents and took the young prodigy under his wing. Under Flintwhite's tutelage, Shawell was introduced to advanced treatises, esoteric theories, and the foundational tenets of the arcane. It was during these formative years that Shawell began to demonstrate his proficiency in deciphering cryptic scripts and formulating his own postulates, a skill that would later define his scholarly pursuits.

Beyond the structured environment of the Scholarium, Shawell frequently embarked on academic sojourns, exploring the vast libraries of Blackroost and engaging with visiting scholars, further honing his analytical and critical thinking skills. By the end of his tenure at the Scholarium, it was evident that William Shawell was destined for scholarly greatness, with a trajectory that would transcend the confines of Blackroost's academic circles.

### Evelina

#### First meeting

On the evening of **9st of July 91 SC**, as the foreboding shadows of the Ebony Eclipse began to descend upon Blackroost, the streets were filled with anxious citizens scrambling for sanctuary. The unpredictable phenomenon, with its associated perils, instigated a sense of urgency among the populace.

In this chaotic milieu, a young woman named Evelina Brickshaw found herself in a predicament. Attempting to navigate the dimly lit cobbled pathways, she inadvertently sprained her foot, rendering her vulnerable to the imminent forsaken shade onslaught.

William, who had been en route to his personal study, chanced upon the incapacitated Evelina. Acting promptly, he hoisted her into his arms and made haste to the nearest secure refuge. As the night wore on and the terror of the Eclipse enveloped the city, the two found solace in a shared shelter.

In the confined space of their shelter, as the hours of the Ebony Eclipse wore on, the conversations between William and Evelina grew more intimate and revealing. William, with his meticulous and analytical mind, was captivated by Evelina's zest for life. Her positivity, even in the face of imminent danger, and her ability to find joy in the smallest of moments, was a stark contrast to his often introspective nature. Evelina's buoyant demeanor, her laughter echoing in the dimly lit room, and her stories of simple pleasures painted a picture of a life lived with unbridled enthusiasm. For William, it was a refreshing perspective, and he found himself increasingly drawn to her radiant spirit.

On the other hand, Evelina was equally intrigued by William's profound thirst for knowledge. His tales of extensive research, his relentless quest for understanding the intricacies of the world, and his dedication to scholarship were awe-inspiring. In William, she saw a man who pursued knowledge with an unparalleled passion, always seeking to unravel the mysteries of existence. His depth of understanding and his vision of a world enriched by knowledge resonated deeply with her.

Their shared night under the looming shadow of the Ebony Eclipse became a testament to their mutual admiration. Both recognized qualities in the other that complemented their own, forging the beginning of a bond that would grow stronger with time.

#### Wedding

on **20th of October 91 SC** William and Evelina chose to formalize their bond in matrimony. Eschewing the grandeur and opulence that might befit a man of William's stature in the scholarly community, the couple opted for a modest and intimate ceremony. Held in the verdant courtyards of Blackroost, the wedding was attended only by their closest family and friends.

Evelina, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown of soft white, walked down a path strewn with fresh petals, while William, in a neatly tailored suit, waited with bated breath. Their vows, spoken with sincerity and heartfelt emotion, echoed the depth of their bond. There were no grand gestures or flamboyant displays; instead, the emphasis was on the genuine affection and commitment the two shared.

The humble nature of their wedding was a testament to their personalities. For them, the essence of the celebration was in the union itself, rather than the trappings that surrounded it. The day ended with a modest feast, laughter, music, and the joy of two souls intertwined. It was a beginning of a new chapter in their lives, grounded in love, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future.

### Firstborn

On **12th of August 92 SC**, the union of William and Evelina Shawell was further blessed with the arrival of their firstborn, a son whom they named Edward. The city of Blackroost, already familiar with William's scholarly achievements, shared in the couple's joy and anticipation.

Edward's birth was a momentous occasion for the Shawell family. Evelina, after a laborious delivery, was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief upon holding her newborn. William, ever the stoic scholar, found himself surprisingly emotional, his eyes moistening as he cradled his son for the first time.

The couple, deeply engrossed in their own professions and passions, found their world transformed with Edward's arrival. The baby's laughter, his first steps, and his innocent curiosity became the center of their universe. The birth also strengthened the bond between William and Evelina, as they navigated the challenges and joys of parenthood together.

Friends, family, and acquaintances visited the Shawell residence, bringing gifts and well wishes for the newborn. Many remarked on Edward's striking resemblance to his father, particularly his keen, observant eyes, which seemed to reflect a nascent thirst for knowledge. It became clear that Edward was not just the continuation of the Shawell lineage but also a beacon of hope and joy for the entire family.

### Personal loss

On the ill-fated night of **6st of June 106 SC**, an unforeseen tragedy struck the Shawell family. During an occurrence of the Ebony Eclipse, a phenomenon not uncommon to the inhabitants of Ebonwood, young Edward Shawell met a fate most dire.

The city of Blackroost, despite being relatively well-acquainted with the perils of the Ebony Eclipse, was not impervious to the sudden and unpredictable onslaught of the forsaken shades. On that particular evening, Edward, perhaps driven by youthful curiosity or sheer happenstance, found himself separated from the safety of indoor confines. As the moon turned pitch-black, overshadowing the night itself, multiple rifts manifested in the vicinity.

Eyewitness accounts, though varied and fragmented, largely concurred on the subsequent events. A group of forsaken shades, emerging from one such rift, targeted and swiftly overpowered Edward. Despite his desperate struggles and the horrified shouts of nearby onlookers, he was relentlessly dragged towards the rift. The last sight of him was his outstretched hand, reaching out for help, before being fully consumed by the void of the Realm of Shadows.

The incident left a profound impact on the community of Blackroost, reiterating the ever-present dangers of the Ebony Eclipse. However, for the Shawell family the loss was immeasurable. Their son, a beacon of hope and joy, was abruptly taken, leaving behind a void that no passage of time could ever heal.

### Desperation

In the wake of Edward's tragic demise, William's grief and desperation knew no bounds. The agony of the loss weighed heavily on him, driving him to seek any means possible to reclaim his son from the clutches of the Realm of Shadows. The emotional trauma affected his relationship with Evelina, as he grew increasingly detached, consumed by the singular pursuit of saving Edward.

On a fateful night of **29th of December 106 SC**. As William found himself ensnared in the depths of slumber, he unexpectedly entered the elusive state of Dreamscape Passage. This state, though rare, allows a mortal's consciousness to traverse the Realm of Shadows during their dream. William, amidst the eerie vastness of this realm, caught a fleeting glimpse of his son. Overwhelmed by a rush of emotions, he desperately tried to approach Edward, but the chasm between them seemed insurmountable, and the young boy's silhouette grew fainter with each passing moment.

Just as hope seemed to wane, the malevolent presence of Devil-King manifested before William. The devil, emanating an aura of dark allure, presented an enigmatic proposition. Without demanding anything in return, Mephiston offered William a gift - the gift of boundless knowledge. This vast reservoir of wisdom, Mephiston intimated, held the potential to devise a way to liberate Edward from the shadowy prison.

Although the encounter was brief, its implications were profound. William awoke with knowledge overfilling his mind, hoping to uncover a method to breach the Realm of Shadows and reclaim his son. His obsession with this newfound knowledge further strained his relationship with Evelina, as he drifted even more into the realm of books, artifacts, and arcane rituals, hoping to decipher the means to undo the tragedy that befell their family.

### The Inscrutable Codex

The boundless knowledge that William acquired, while initially a beacon of hope, soon began to act as a double-edged sword. The information, vast and infinite in nature, was far more than any human mind was equipped to process. Every morsel of knowledge he assimilated opened doors to a multitude of other questions, mysteries, and uncertainties. The intricate webs of information started to ensnare him, slowly chipping away at his sanity.

Witnessing William's rapid descent into madness was a harrowing experience for Evelina. She observed with heart-wrenching despair as the once-determined scholar, her beloved husband, metamorphosed into an unstable, frenzied shadow of his former self. His eyes, once filled with purpose and curiosity, now bore the wild gaze of a man tormented by the very knowledge he sought.

Yet, amidst this disheartening transformation, Evelina's love for William remained unwavering. She steadfastly stood by his side, ensuring that he was taken care of, even when he scarcely acknowledged her presence. She ensured he consumed sustenance, tended to his needs, and tried her best to provide moments of solace, though they became increasingly rare.

During this tumultuous period, amidst his fits of frenzied writings and murmured incantations, William penned the Inscrutable Codex. This arcane grimoire became his magnum opus, the culmination of all the enigmatic knowledge he had been bestowed with. A shroud of secrecy enveloped the Codex; William fiercely protected it, never allowing any other soul to lay eyes upon its pages or even to approach its presence. The Codex's content remained a mystery to all, its secrets locked away by a man who had become a prisoner of his own mind.

The night **13th of November 112 SC** William finally completed his magnum opus, the Inscrutable Codex. With a sense of urgency, he approached Evelina, revealing his intentions of performing the Ritual of Malicious Desires, assuring her that it was the key to their son's return.

A circle of fire blazed, its flames dancing wildly, mirroring the tumultuous emotions that wrestled within William’s soul. However, in a moment of unprecedented clarity, as if a veil had been lifted, the overwhelming knowledge that had driven him to madness momentarily subsided, granting him a fleeting glimpse of sanity.

The epiphany struck him with both terror and revelation. He understood, with gut-wrenching clarity, the sinister nature of Mephiston’s game. Every uttered wish, every expressed desire would be twisted into a nightmarish version of itself. The perilous reality of their intended act weighed heavily upon William, the envisaged joy of their son’s return was overshadowed by the ominous consequences that lurked in the shadows.

Driven by a profound love for Evelina and a determination to shield her from the sinister designs of Devil-King, William, with a mix of frantic haste and heartbreaking resolution, seized the Codex and fled, leaving a bewildered Evelina in his wake. In his newfound clarity, he sought to hide the Codex, ensuring its dangerous knowledge remained concealed from the world.

Meanwhile, Evelina, sensing the gravity of the situation, went looking for William, her heart heavy with foreboding. She knew William will go to the highest point of Blackroost Scholarium, as it was their favourite place long ago. William ascended to the tallest tower, every step echoing the tragic cadence of his tormented journey.

The chilling winds at the pinnacle of the tower bore witness to a moment of agonizing poignancy. Evelina arrived, her breath ragged, eyes filled with a mix of terror, confusion, and undying love. The tragic silhouette of William, standing precariously at the edge, is a haunting image that would linger for eternity.

Words were unnecessary, their eyes, reflections of shared years, unspeakable joys, and immeasurable losses, communicated the unutterable. And then, with the Codex’s secrets buried and the chilling revelation hanging heavily in the air, William stepped into the void, surrendering to the haunting depths below.

Evelina’s screams pierced the silent night, echoing the unspeakable agony, the heart-wrenching culmination of a journey that began with a pursuit of knowledge and ended in an unspeakable tragedy.

## Appearance

William Shawell carried an air of intellectual vigor that was evident in his sharp features and intense gaze. His short hair, always neatly combed, was a shade of dark brown that complemented his pale complexion. A distinguishing feature was his meticulously groomed short mustache, which lent a certain gravitas to his youthful visage. William's attire, always understated yet impeccable, reflected his scholarly inclinations. His piercing eyes, often seen behind a set of spectacles, hinted at the depth of thought and passion that lay within, making him an instantly recognizable figure in the academic circles of Blackroost.

## Personality

William was, by nature, a reserved and introspective individual. His shyness often manifested as a quiet demeanor, especially in social gatherings or unfamiliar environments. Despite his immense intellectual prowess, he rarely boasted about his achievements and often downplayed his contributions to scholarly discourse. This humility was coupled with an insatiable curiosity and a fervent dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. He had a methodical approach to problems and displayed an exceptional ability to focus on intricate details for extended periods. While his introverted nature sometimes made it challenging to form deep personal connections, those who managed to breach the barriers of his shyness found a loyal friend and a compassionate listener. His quiet intensity and genuine passion for learning made him a beacon in the academic world of Blackroost.