Aldrich Booker

* 20 Years Old
* 35 Years Old

### Alias

Son Of Poseidon, The Black-Haired Demon (by Trask), The Savior of Alcadia (by Emily), The Lost Friend of Diablo (by Emily)

### Family

Poseidon (father), Diablo † (cousin), Kera (wife)

### Affiliation

Gods of Olympus, Known associate of Diablo Manveri, Fenville's Court

### Residence

New Continent, later journeyed to the mainland in search of Diablo

## Behind the Scenes

### Appears in

A Tale Of Two Souls (Present), Chronicles of the Divine (Mentioned)

> What do we know about acting like gods? We'd run ourselves too thin acting like that.
>
> -Aldrich to Diablo, before leaving for the New Continent

**Aldrich Booker** (Greek: Αλδρίχ), often known later in life as the founder and protector of New Abalon, was demigod, an ordinary man elevated to extraordinary circumstances due to his divine heritage as the son of Poseidon. His life became the stuff of legend alongside his best friend and fellow demigod, Diablo Manveri, son of Zeus.

## Biography

Emerging from the union of the sea god Poseidon and a mortal maiden, Aldrich Booker carries with him the duality of both celestial and terrestrial origins. This blend grants him a unique perspective, serving as an anchor between the celestial deeps and the earthly plains. While the surging might of Poseidon echoes within him, it's Aldrich's human intuition and moral principles that steer his life's course.

Even in his formative years, Aldrich displayed an innate affinity for understanding the oceans and their secrets, proving himself as one of the most influential mariners of his era. His renown was not merely the product of his demigod abilities but stemmed from his profound empathy and commitment to safeguarding those at sea. Despite his celestial ancestry, Aldrich's heart resonated more profoundly with his human lineage, a feeling his cousin, Diablo, also shared. This intensified by witnessing the often unpredictable whims of the gods.

Aldrich's journey through life was marked by numerous trials and tribulations. From standing shoulder to shoulder with Diablo against the fearsome entity Typhon, to his heartfelt bond with the land and its people, and the serenity he sought in the embrace of his family on the New Continent. His true mettle shone when he avenged Diablo's death, demonstrating not divine wrath but a deeply human sense of loyalty and justice.

In the latter part of his life, especially during his peaceful days on the New Continent, Aldrich leaned more towards his mortal instincts, often seeking wisdom in the ebb and flow of the seas than in his divine roots. This transition symbolized his growth, from a demi-god to an emblem of human dedication, love, and unwavering spirit.

### Early Life (20 BBOT):

Born in Boghorn, Aldrich discovered his divine heritage early on, marking the beginning of a legendary journey. Diablo and he were childhood friends and decided to start adventuring together at 16. Over the course of their journeys, the two came to realize they possessed abilities that were beyond normal human capabilities.

### The Battle of Typhon (0 ABOT):

The very fabric of their world was threatened when Typhon, a powerful monster, emerged. Together with the gods, Diablo, Aldrich, and the wise Daedalus, they confronted the behemoth, showcasing the pinnacle of their might. This battle was not just a clash of physical strength but of ideals and the desire to protect their realm.

Following the battle, while Diablo took the mantle of Royal Protector of Fenville, Aldrich set forth to explore and protect the New Continent, marking a shift in his life from a relentless warrior to a guardian and explorer.

### New Beginnings on the New Continent (1-4 ABOT):

Aldrich's journey to the New Continent was driven by both a sense of adventure and a yearning for peace. The pristine landscapes, untouched by the scars of battle, presented the perfect refuge for a soul seeking solace. Here, he laid down roots, establishing a homestead that offered both the comfort of a retreat and the vantage point of a lookout.

As he wandered the vast terrains, he encountered diverse communities and civilizations, many of whom revered him as a guardian sent by the gods. Word of his heroics against Typhon had traveled far and wide, and these stories, often whispered around campfires, brought with them a mix of awe and respect.

Yet, Aldrich's heart sought more than just adulation. He found love in a quiet village by the coast, where he met Kera, a healer with a spirit as fierce as the ocean waves. Their love story was swift and profound, culminating in a union blessed with two daughters.

### Guardian and Settler (5-14 ABOT):

Over the years, Aldrich's role evolved from that of an explorer to a protector of the New Continent's denizens. His home became a sanctuary for those in need, and he often mediated conflicts between tribes, ensuring peace prevailed.

However, the warrior within him never truly faded. On occasions when the New Continent faced threats, be it from marauding pirates or dark creatures emerging from forgotten corners, Aldrich was at the forefront, his trident cleaving through the air, reminding all of the demi-god that resided within.

Yet, amid these challenges, his family remained his anchor, and his bond with Kera and their daughters was his source of strength and serenity.

### The Assassination and Revenge (15 ABOT):

The bond between Aldrich and Diablo was the stuff of legends, a camaraderie that spanned both their human and divine halves. So, when the unthinkable happened, and Diablo was felled by an assassin's blade, Aldrich's world was shattered. Every corner of Fenville echoed with the somber tunes of Diablo's departure, but none felt the void more deeply than Aldrich.

The Crime Syndicate, ever-shrouded in darkness, had done what few thought possible: they extinguished the light of a demi-god. Yet, they hadn't accounted for the tidal wave of retribution that Aldrich would bring upon them. His grief transformed into an incandescent rage that knew no bounds. Utilizing his divine powers and unmatched skills, Aldrich embarked on a merciless crusade to find and eliminate every last individual linked to the plot. The streets ran cold with fear as the Crime Syndicate's once-hidden shadows were dragged into the punishing light, facing the wrath of a heartbroken god.

But revenge, as Aldrich soon discovered, was a double-edged sword. With each member of the Syndicate he dispatched, he felt an ever-growing emptiness. The realization dawned that no amount of vengeance would bring back his beloved friend and brother.

This crushing weight of sorrow, combined with the intensity of his vendetta, began to erode Aldrich's very essence. The world, which once seemed filled with purpose and adventure, now seemed bleak and void of meaning. Despite the numerous calls from the gods and mortals alike to find solace and a renewed purpose, the pain proved insurmountable for Aldrich.

Choosing to join his brother in the afterlife, Aldrich's tragic decision to end his own life resonated deeply across all realms. It signified more than just the loss of another demi-god; it marked the end of an era. The days when gods and demi-gods stood side by side, influencing the fates of mortal realms, began to fade into the annals of history. Their once-vibrant presence was replaced with tales and legends, recounted by bards and scholars but never again to be lived.

## Legacy

The tales of Aldrich and Diablo became intertwined with the fabric of Alcadia. Over the next several generations, their stories evolved from historical accounts to legendary tales. Monuments were erected, and their deeds became subjects of art, song, and literature.

However, Aldrich's true legacy lay not in the stone or the pages of history but in the hearts of those he had touched and the lands he had protected. His spirit continued to inspire future generations, reminding them of the resilience and sacrifice of a true hero.

## Accomplishments

### The Legacy of the Seashell Flute

A seashell he turned into an instrument. Before leaving to avenge Diablo, he promised he would show his daughters how to play it when he returned. The seashell flute became a cherished family heirloom. The origin, though tragic, sparked a passion for music that is seen in his descendants to this day. Passed down through the ages, it inspired Orion's love for the instrument and eventually led to the foundation of a school of music by one of his descendants. It is currently on display in a museum on the new continent.

### Savior of Alcadia

Driven by loyalty and a sense of justice, Aldrich avenged the death of his dear friend, Diablo, ensuring that the treacherous Syndicate met its deserved end. In doing this, he ensured prosperity and peace for over a century. Though troubled, he is remembered fondly by everyone who knew him.

### Pioneer

Upon setting foot on the uncharted continent, Aldrich's visionary spirit took flight. Recognizing the potential of the vast land before him, he played an instrumental role in founding a new society from the ground up. His leadership, combined with his profound wisdom, ensured that the foundations of this burgeoning community were strong and based on principles of equality, cooperation, and mutual respect. His foresight in uniting disparate tribes and establishing a harmonious coexistence became legendary. Without Aldrich's intervention and guidance, the evolution of this society might have faced countless setbacks, or may have never materialized. His monumental efforts in this new land cemented his legacy as a trailblazer and ensured that generations would thrive in the civilization he had so lovingly nurtured.

## Trivia

* Aldrich's name means 'Old; Wise; Ruler'.
* Aldrich and Diablo's confrontational might was considered apocalyptic, capable of reshaping continents and the understanding of power.
* Despite the legends and stories, there exists a melancholic undertone to Aldrich's legacy, mainly due to the tragic manner of his departure.
* The phoenix pendant he wore is a rare artifact believed to possess properties of rejuvenation. Many sought it, but its whereabouts remain a mystery.
* While his name, Aldrich, holds no specific meaning in the realm of Alcadia, the legacy attached to it is synonymous with valor, loyalty, and undying spirit.
* While Diablo's actions often took center stage due to his position as Royal Protector, Aldrich's contributions, especially during their quest against Typhon and in avenging Diablo's death, were equally pivotal to their shared legacy.
* Aldrich's final words to Diablo, suggesting they were "just normal guys," reflects his humility and highlighs the theme of friendship over divinity throughout their adventures.
* Aldrich's decision to spend the majority of his post-Typhon life with his wife and daughters on the New Continent showcases a profound appreciation for family and perhaps a desire to shield them from the perils of his demigod status.
* His piercing gaze was known to intimidate many; however, those who knew him personally, like Emily, could see the depth of emotion and wisdom that lay beneath.
* Despite his immense power and stature, Aldrich had a gentle side, especially evident in his interactions with his family. He was particularly fond of teaching his daughters about the wonders of the world.
* Aldrich's deep understanding of different cultures played a vital role in uniting the tribes of the new continent. Rumor has it that he could speak multiple tribal languages, aiding in negotiations and peace treaties.
* Aldrich had an uncanny ability to predict storms. Sailors often said, "If Aldrich sails, so should we. If he docks, turn the locks."
* Emily, who always saw the heart beneath Aldrich's fearsome exterior, once confided in a diary entry about those dark days: "The Aldrich I knew was shrouded in a storm of anguish and power, a demon of sorrow, unstoppable in his quest for vengeance. For the first time, even I felt a twinge of fear in his presence."
* After the tragic death of Diablo, Aldrich's transformation into the 'Black-Haired Demon' became the stuff of nightmares. There's a haunting Alcadian tale of him walking through a battlefield, his powers unleashed like a tempest, and not a single enemy weapon even grazed his shadow. To many, he wasn't just a warrior; he was an unstoppable force of nature.