Veloris

Veloris is an enigmatic and complex character, known for his captivating appearance and his role as a dedicated paranormal investigator and leader of the Golden Thorn team. His physical presence is striking, with short, curly dark hair framing his face, and his tall stature commanding attention. Pointed ears, a feature of his elven heritage, further set him apart.

In his attire, Veloris favors flowing blue robes and a classic pointy hat, typical of wizards and investigators. However, what truly distinguishes him is the unique mask he wears—an upside-down replica of his own face. This mask serves both symbolic and practical purposes, signifying his role in uncovering mysteries and hinting at the inverted nature of the supernatural world he explores.

Veloris possesses a multifaceted personality. He is naturally inquisitive and driven by a deep curiosity to uncover the truth, which fuels his relentless exploration of mysteries and the unknown. His sharp analytical mind allows him to dissect complex situations and make connections that might elude others.

In the face of challenges, Veloris remains determined and resolute, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to confronting mysteries, even in the presence of danger. His calm and collected demeanor enables him to remain rational and make sound decisions, even in chaotic and supernatural situations.

Beneath his enigmatic exterior, Veloris harbors a deep sense of empathy for individuals he encounters during investigations. He understands the emotional toll of supernatural events and offers support and understanding. Moreover, he feels a strong sense of responsibility towards his team members and those he encounters, willing to go to great lengths to protect others from supernatural threats.

Veloris's relationships are marked by trust, camaraderie, and a shared understanding of the complexities of the paranormal world. His unique blend of physical attributes, attire, and personality traits makes him a captivating and formidable investigator in the realm of the supernatural, always prepared to unravel the most enigmatic mysteries.

## Backstory:

### Winter Falls Mission:

Veloris, the elf wizard and leader of the Golden Thorn's investigative team, received orders from Commissioner Caine to investigate the mysterious events in Winter Falls. The letter from Samantha Ravenshaw had piqued their curiosity, and they were prepared for the journey.

With two other skilled members of the Golden Thorn at their side, Veloris set out for Winter Falls. The journey was long, and the chill of autumn was in the air as they made their way through the winding roads and dense forests. They knew little about what they would encounter upon arrival, but the urgency of Samantha's message weighed heavily on their minds.

When they finally reached Winter Falls, they were met with an unsettling sight. Samantha Ravenshaw, the woman who had requested their assistance, was standing before a makeshift tribunal. The town's sheriff, Martin Tomlin, presided over the proceedings, and it was clear that Samantha's life was in grave danger.

Veloris and their team wasted no time. They used their magical abilities and quick thinking to intervene just in the nick of time, preventing Samantha from facing unjust execution. The grateful woman, her eyes filled with tears of relief, thanked them profusely for their intervention.

Samantha, true to her word, rewarded Veloris and their companions by offering them accommodations at The Sacred Seal, a local inn and tavern. It was a gesture of gratitude for saving her life and a place where they could rest and regroup after their long journey.

As they settled into The Sacred Seal, Veloris and their team knew that their work in Winter Falls was far from over. The strange occurrences and the paranoia that had gripped the town remained unexplained. With Samantha's assistance and their investigative skills, they were determined to uncover the truth behind the mysteries that had cast a shadow over Winter Falls. The Society of the Golden Thorn had arrived to bring light to the darkness, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

### A Strange and Troubled Town:

As Veloris and the Golden Thorn team delved deeper into their investigation in Winter Falls, the mysteries and troubling history of the town began to unfold. The small hole in Barnaby Ravenshaw's study, leading to the sitting room below, raised suspicions about his death. Veloris, ever the analytical mind, considered the possibility of poison or some malevolent creature being sent through that hole. It was becoming increasingly apparent that Barnaby's demise might not have been a natural one.

Interrogating the townspeople revealed a web of intrigue and unsettling events that had plagued Winter Falls for several years:

#### 1945 AE - Present

* Barnaby Ravenshaw's recent death had occurred just ten days prior to the team's arrival.
* The town's sheriff, Martin Tomlin, had attempted to execute Samantha Ravenshaw as a witch, accusing her of killing her husband.
* An upcoming eclipse and a full moon were casting an eerie atmosphere over the town.
* Reports of a wolf attacking miners had added to the town's fear and paranoia.

#### 1940 AE

* Vampires had attacked Winter Falls, prompting the arrival of the Knight's Raynor, who eradicated the vampire threat.
* The vampires had been hiding in the windmill, which was subsequently burned down.
* A new windmill had been constructed in place of the old one.

#### 1935 AE

* Thirteen people had been brutally killed, with numbers carved into their heads.
* The killer, Jonathan "Jonny" Bartlett, had claimed their lives. Among the victims was Costin Ravenshaw, a connection to the Ravenshaw family.

##### 1925 AE

* Six children were tragically murdered, and the killer was identified as Fredrick Korzha, a groundskeeper at the school.
* After the murders, Fredrick had met a grim fate, drowning in the river.
* Remus Ravenshaw, Barnaby's brother, was among the victims, and it was a disturbing pattern that linked the Ravenshaw family to these tragedies.

#### 1915 AE

* The disappearance of Karen Aylwood had left a lasting scar on the town's history.
* Karen had been in the company of John Keller, Tom Colley, and Mary Tomlin (now Fleming) when she vanished.
* John Keller was said to possess a mysterious book that might hold clues to the past.

As Veloris and their team uncovered these unsettling details, it became clear that Winter Falls had a long and troubled history, with a recurring pattern of mysterious deaths, disappearances, and supernatural occurrences. The Golden Thorn's investigation was far from over, and they were determined to uncover the truth behind the dark secrets that had haunted the town for decades.

### Soup:

Despite the unsettling and mysterious atmosphere that hung over Winter Falls, Veloris found solace in one unexpected place—the town's soup. The comforting warmth and flavors of the soup provided a small source of comfort amidst the enigmatic and often eerie circumstances of their investigation. Veloris had a particular fondness for soup, and it seemed that even in the most unusual of situations, a good bowl of soup could offer a moment of respite.

As they continued their work, Veloris would occasionally indulge in the town's soup, savoring each spoonful as a brief reprieve from the mysteries and tensions that surrounded them. It was a simple pleasure in an otherwise complex and perplexing situation, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there could be moments of comfort and familiarity.

With their newfound knowledge of Winter Falls' troubled history and the pressing need to uncover the truth behind Barnaby Ravenshaw's death, Veloris and the Golden Thorn team pressed on, determined to bring clarity to the town's shadowed past and put an end to the cycle of darkness that had plagued it for so long. And perhaps, along the way, they would find more opportunities to enjoy a bowl of that delicious soup that Veloris had come to appreciate.

### The Girl in the Mirror:

Veloris sat at the bar of The Scared Seal, savoring the warmth of a bowl of potato soup. The cozy atmosphere of the tavern provided a temporary respite from the ongoing investigation into Winter Falls' mysteries. However, this moment of tranquility was shattered when Veloris noticed something peculiar in the bar's mirror.

A girl, appearing as a teenager with blonde hair, stood in the mirror's reflection. What was even more unsettling was that she wore a blindfold and lacked any clothing. Her lips moved in a silent attempt to speak, but Veloris couldn't hear her words. Stranger still, it seemed that Veloris was the only one who could see her.

As Veloris continued to watch in astonishment, the mirror suddenly shattered into pieces, forming cracks that spelled out the name "Nerak," which was Karen spelled backward. It was a chilling revelation that connected this mysterious apparition to the long-lost Karen Aylwood, who had disappeared from Winter Falls 30 years ago.

Determined to uncover the truth, Veloris began questioning the people who had been involved in Karen's disappearance, starting with Tom Colley. Tom had clearly endured a difficult life in the past three decades, marked by job instability and mistreatment by the townsfolk.

While Tom didn't reveal much, he did mention that John Keller had found a book and harbored feelings for Karen. It was a lead, however faint, that hinted at the possibility of a deeper connection between John, the mysterious book, and Karen's disappearance. Veloris knew they had to continue their investigation and follow any leads that might shed light on the enigma surrounding Karen Aylwood and the unsettling occurrences in Winter Falls.

The Golden Thorn team proceeded to Mary Fleming's house, hoping to gather more information about Karen Aylwood's disappearance and the events surrounding it. Mary's life had taken a somewhat better turn compared to Tom's, with a marriage and a son, although she had faced the loss of her husband.

As they entered Mary's home, her teenage son was at work in the mine, contributing to the town's economy. Mary proved to be more willing to share her memories of the past, shedding light on the close-knit group of friends that included Karen, John, Tom, and herself.

According to Mary, the group of young friends had taken Karen in after she and her mother had moved to Winter Falls following the death of her father. John Keller had developed feelings for Karen, and a complex web of relationships had formed within the group.

The pivotal moment occurred 30 years ago, on the night of the eclipse. The young friends, led by John's desire to impress Karen, had decided to perform a ritual. They had ventured to the old mine house, where John had orchestrated a ceremony that involved Karen standing in the center, blindfolded and disrobed, while the others chanted incantations.

However, the ritual took an ominous turn when Mary became overwhelmed with fear and abruptly fled from the scene. In the chaos that ensued, Karen mysteriously disappeared, leaving a void in their lives that had remained unexplained for three decades.

The revelation of the ritual and Karen's sudden disappearance added another layer of complexity to the investigation. Veloris and the Golden Thorn team realized that they were getting closer to uncovering the truth, but many questions remained. The events of that fateful night and the significance of the ritual were key pieces of the puzzle that needed to be explored further in their quest to bring closure to the mysteries of Winter Falls.

The Golden Thorn team continued their investigation, visiting John Keller, whose life seemed to have taken a tragic turn. John's disheveled appearance and the state of his small, unkempt house were clear indicators of a difficult existence, likely marked by struggles with alcohol and the weight of the past.

John, though somber, was sober when they arrived. He shared a significant revelation with the group, explaining that he had obtained the mysterious book from a woman named Elly Kedward. This disclosure cast a dark shadow over the investigation, as it connected the book to a woman accused of witchcraft.

In a grim turn of events, John recounted that after Karen Aylwood's disappearance, Elly Kedward had been arrested by the Panacea Knights and subsequently executed in front of the town's church, condemned as a witch. The revelation sent shivers down the spines of the investigators, as it suggested that the book, known as the Grimoire of Echoes, was indeed linked to dark and mystical forces.

Determined to uncover more about the book's origins and its connection to the events of the past, the Golden Thorn group followed John's lead to the old mine's house. There, they discovered the Grimoire of Echoes, a dark spell book with an aura of malevolence. The implications were clear – if Elly Kedward had indeed given this book to John, it was highly likely that she had been a witch involved in practices of the occult.

With this newfound knowledge and the ominous presence of the Grimoire of Echoes in their possession, Veloris and the Golden Thorn team were one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of Winter Falls. The dark secrets hidden within the pages of the book would need to be carefully examined, and the truth behind Karen Aylwood's disappearance and the town's history would soon be brought to light.

### Karen's Return:

With the Grimoire of Echoes in their possession and a plan to bring Karen Aylwood back to the world, Veloris and the Golden Thorn team set their sights on capturing the barghest that had emerged 30 years ago, coinciding with Karen's disappearance. The task was a daunting one, as the creature was now known to be a menacing and dangerous presence in the woods.

Working together with the assistance of John, Tom, and Mary, the group embarked on a perilous hunt for the barghest. To the townspeople, it appeared as a large wolf, but the truth was far more sinister. Their determination and teamwork paid off as they finally tracked down the creature in the depths of the woods.

With the barghest captured, Veloris was prepared to perform the ritual to bring Karen back. The young girl, still the same age as when she had disappeared, returned to the world after 30 long years. However, Karen's joy at being reunited with the living world was marred by the tragic realization that her entire family had passed away during her absence.

Veloris, compassionate and committed to helping Karen, decided to take her under their wing and bring her to the Golden Thorn headquarters once their business in Winter Falls had concluded. The mysteries of the town had been unraveled, the barghest captured and returned, and Karen's return marked the end of a long and haunting chapter in the town's history.

As the Golden Thorn team prepared to depart from Winter Falls, they carried with them not only the memories of the town's troubled past but also the hope of a brighter future for Karen Aylwood and the knowledge that they had brought closure to the enigmatic and unsettling events that had haunted the town for so long.

### A Nightmare on Winter Falls:

The peaceful interlude Veloris and Karen had enjoyed at the tavern was abruptly shattered when they were approached by Jim, a young town guard. His grave expression and the news he brought were troubling – a girl named Christina "Tina" Gray had been murdered the previous night, and a boy named Robert Lane had been arrested as a suspect. Jim believed that Robert was innocent due to his love for Tina.

Determined to uncover the truth, Veloris and the rest of the group went to Tina's house to investigate the gruesome scene. What they found was beyond unsettling. Tina's bedroom bore signs of a violent struggle, with indications that she had been dragged from her bed to the wall, up the wall, and ultimately killed on the ceiling. This macabre display hinted at a horrifying and supernatural element to the murder.

Their suspicion deepening, Veloris and the others proceeded to the prison to speak with Robert. He recounted a chilling tale of their shared nightmare, explaining that he and Tina had tried to stay awake to avoid it. However, their efforts had been in vain, and when Robert awoke, he witnessed Tina being lifted up the wall and murdered on the ceiling.

As Robert shared his account, an eerie sense of foreboding filled the room. Veloris noticed that Robert was starting to fall asleep, and before their eyes, he succumbed to a drug administered by the guards to sedate him. To their horror, Robert was then lifted by an invisible force, hanging in the air.

The supernatural and malevolent nature of the events sent shivers down their spines. Veloris and the Golden Thorn team realized that they were dealing with forces beyond the natural realm, and they were now faced with the task of not only solving Tina's murder but also confronting a dark and otherworldly presence that threatened the town of Winter Falls once again.

The investigation in Winter Falls took an even darker turn as Veloris, Karen, and the Golden Thorn team spoke with Nancy Thompson, the daughter of the former sheriff. Nancy revealed that she had been tormented by nightmares featuring a drowned man named Fredrick. Veloris immediately made the connection to Fredrick Korzha, who had been drowned by the townspeople for the murder of six children many years ago.

As the team continued their inquiry, Nancy shared that her boyfriend, Glen Lantz, had also been plagued by nightmares. Concerned for Glen's safety, they rushed to his house, only to discover a gruesome sight – a blood-filled hole in Glen's bed. It was a horrifying confirmation that the nightmares were not mere dreams but a terrifying reality.

With the death toll rising and the supernatural elements of the town's history becoming increasingly evident, Veloris and the group knew they had to confront the source of the nightmares. They decided to visit the river where Fredrick had been drowned, eventually locating his bones.

In a solemn ceremony, the bones were brought to the church, blessed, and put to rest. It was a poignant moment that marked the end of the nightmare plaguing Nancy, Glen, and the town. The Golden Thorn's actions had brought closure to a dark chapter in Winter Falls' history, but they also knew that they had to remain vigilant, for the shadows of the past could resurface at any time.

As they reflected on their harrowing experiences in Winter Falls, Veloris, Karen, and the Golden Thorn team were determined to ensure that the town could finally find peace and that the horrors that had haunted it for so long would remain buried, never to return.

### Don't Fear the Reaper:

The respite enjoyed by Veloris during their meal was once again interrupted by a series of gruesome murders in Winter Falls. Mayor Oswald Tomlin and Milady de Winter had been brutally killed, with numbers carved into their heads – 14 and 15, respectively. This sinister pattern hinted at a terrifying continuation of the town's dark history.

Veloris, now experienced in investigating the town's mysteries, wasted no time. They went to Sheriff Martin Tomlin's house, but the grim discovery awaited them. Sheriff Tomlin had met a similar fate, with the number 16 carved into his head. More disturbingly, they found a board where the sheriff had pieced together the sinister plot and connected it to Samantha.

The pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Samantha, Elly's daughter, had played a central role in the town's previous horrors. She had directed Fredrick to kill specific children, and she had been in love with Jonathan Bartlett. It became evident that Samantha had been orchestrating a complex and vengeful scheme, and her connection to the previous events in Winter Falls was chilling.

Determined to confront Samantha and put an end to the cycle of revenge and terror, Veloris and the group tracked her down in front of the church. There, they found Samantha in the company of a zombified Jonathan Bartlett, a disturbing manifestation of her dark intentions.

With resolve, the group engaged in a desperate battle. They managed to destroy the zombified Jonathan and capture Samantha. She was securely bound, her reign of terror brought to an end. The plan was clear – Samantha would be taken back to New Garland and delivered to the Golden Thorn headquarters to face justice for her heinous crimes.

Veloris and the Golden Thorn team had faced countless horrors in their time in Winter Falls, but they had finally uncovered the truth behind the town's dark history. With Samantha in custody, they could ensure that the town could finally find peace, and the specter of its past horrors would be exorcised once and for all.

The Holloway House Mission.

## Appearance:

Veloris, the enigmatic elf investigator and leader of the Golden Thorn team, possesses a distinctive appearance that combines elements of their elven heritage with the practicality of their role as a paranormal investigator:

* **Physical Features:** Veloris has short, curly dark hair that frames their face, adding a touch of elegance to their overall appearance. They stand tall, a characteristic often associated with elves, which lends an air of presence and authority.
* **Attire:** Veloris is typically seen wearing blue robes that flow gracefully around them, exuding a sense of mystery and wisdom. Their attire is not only practical but also serves to enhance their aura as a paranormal investigator. Veloris also dons a pointy hat, a classic and traditional choice that further emphasizes their role as a wizard and investigator.
* **Mask:** One of the most intriguing aspects of Veloris's appearance is the mask they wear. This mask is designed to look like their own face but upside-down, creating a mesmerizing and surreal effect. The mask serves as both a symbolic and practical item, symbolizing their role in uncovering mysteries and perhaps hinting at the inverted nature of the supernatural world they explore.

Veloris's appearance, with its blend of elven elegance, traditional wizardly attire, and the striking mask, makes them a memorable and enigmatic figure. It's a visual representation of their role as a paranormal investigator, ready to delve into the unknown and confront the mysteries that await.

## Relationships:

Veloris, the enigmatic paranormal investigator and leader of the Golden Thorn team, has developed various relationships with individuals who have crossed their path in their pursuit of uncovering supernatural mysteries. These relationships offer insight into Veloris's connections and interactions with others:

1. **Golden Thorn Team:** Veloris serves as the leader of the Golden Thorn team, forming strong professional bonds with members such as Crux, Theo Bellwright, Zier Selheren, and Karen Aylwood. Together, they share a sense of camaraderie and trust as they work to unravel paranormal mysteries.
2. **Commissioner Caine:** Commissioner Caine is the individual who assigns cases to the Golden Thorn team. Veloris has a professional working relationship with Caine, relying on their guidance and support in selecting and tackling cases.
3. **Winter Falls Residents:** During their investigation in Winter Falls, Veloris encountered various townspeople, including Mary Fleming, Tom Colley, Samantha Ravenshaw, and others. These interactions revealed Veloris's empathy and determination to help those affected by supernatural events.
4. **Samantha Ravenshaw:** Samantha Ravenshaw played a central role in the mysteries of Winter Falls. Veloris confronted Samantha and played a pivotal role in bringing her to justice for her dark actions.

### Karen Aylwood:

Veloris's relationship with Karen Aylwood is a unique and significant one that developed during their time in Winter Falls and continued beyond. Here are some key aspects of their relationship:

1. **Rescuer and Protector:** Veloris played a crucial role in rescuing Karen from the ethereal plane where she had been trapped for 30 years. This act of saving her life and bringing her back to the living world forged a strong bond between them. Veloris assumed a protective role, ensuring Karen's safety during their investigations.
2. **Guardian and Mentor:** With Karen's return to the world after such a long absence, she faced the challenge of adapting to a drastically changed environment. Veloris took on the role of guardian and mentor, helping Karen acclimate to the modern world and offering guidance and support as she adjusted to her new life.
3. **Shared Experiences:** Both Veloris and Karen had experienced the supernatural and paranormal firsthand, which provided a common ground for understanding each other's experiences. They shared a unique perspective on the mysteries of the world and could empathize with the challenges each had faced.
4. **Companionship:** The trials and investigations they undertook together in Winter Falls and beyond created a deep sense of companionship. They relied on each other during dangerous and unsettling situations, fostering trust and dependence on one another.
5. **Emotional Support:** Veloris provided emotional support to Karen as she coped with the trauma of her 30-year absence and the loss of her family. Their connection allowed Karen to open up about her feelings and experiences, offering her a source of comfort.
6. **Future Plans:** Veloris expressed their intention to bring Karen to the Golden Thorn headquarters in New Garland after concluding their business in Winter Falls. This commitment to Karen's well-being and future underscored the depth of their bond.

In essence, Veloris and Karen's relationship is characterized by mutual support, understanding, and a shared journey through the supernatural mysteries that they encountered. Veloris's role as a protector and mentor, along with Karen's trust and reliance on them, solidified their connection as they navigated the enigmatic and often perilous world of the paranormal.

## Traits and Personality:

Veloris possesses a complex and intriguing set of traits and personality characteristics that make them a unique and effective investigator in the paranormal and supernatural realms:

1. **Inquisitive:** Veloris is naturally curious and possesses a deep desire to uncover the truth. Their inquisitiveness drives them to explore mysteries and delve into the unknown, seeking answers to the most perplexing questions.
2. **Analytical:** They have a keen analytical mind, capable of dissecting complex situations and identifying patterns and connections that others might overlook. This analytical approach is invaluable when investigating paranormal phenomena.
3. **Determined:** Veloris is resolute and persistent in the face of challenges. When they set their sights on solving a mystery or uncovering the truth, they do not easily back down, even in the face of danger.
4. **Calm and Collected:** In the midst of chaos and supernatural phenomena, Veloris remains composed and level-headed. They can think rationally and make sound decisions even in the most unsettling situations.
5. **Mysterious**: Veloris has an air of mystery about them, which can be both captivating and intimidating. Their mask, unique appearance, and enigmatic presence add to their mystique, making them a memorable figure.
6. **Empathetic:** Despite their mysterious exterior, Veloris possesses a deep empathy for the individuals they encounter during their investigations. They understand the emotional toll that supernatural events can have on people and offer support and understanding.
7. **Leadership:** As the leader of the Golden Thorn team, Veloris exhibits strong leadership qualities. They are adept at coordinating efforts, making critical decisions, and guiding their team through the challenges they face.
8. **Protective**: Veloris feels a strong sense of responsibility toward those they work with and the people they encounter during their investigations. They are willing to go to great lengths to protect others from the supernatural threats they face.
9. **Adaptable:** The ever-changing nature of paranormal investigations requires adaptability, and Veloris is flexible in their approach. They can adjust to unexpected circumstances and think on their feet.
10. **Secretive:** Veloris is cautious about revealing too much about themselves or their methods. They understand the importance of keeping certain information hidden, especially in their line of work.

These traits collectively make Veloris a formidable investigator in the world of the supernatural. Their complex personality and unique appearance only add to their effectiveness in unraveling the most enigmatic of mysteries.

## Trivia:

### Soup:

Veloris has a deep and inexplicable affection for soup. It's a quirk that stands out amidst his enigmatic personality and paranormal investigations. Whether it's a hearty bowl of vegetable soup, a savory chicken noodle soup, or an exotic and mysterious broth, Veloris finds solace in the warmth and comfort of this simple culinary delight.

For Veloris, soup isn't just a meal; it's a source of solace and a way to connect with the mundane aspects of life amidst the supernatural mysteries he encounters. The act of savoring a bowl of soup provides him with a moment of respite, a brief pause from the relentless pursuit of the unknown.

In the midst of his investigations, when the world is filled with enigmas and danger, Veloris's love of soup serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. It's a reminder that even in the face of darkness and uncertainty, there can be moments of warmth and comfort, found in the embrace of a steaming bowl of soup.