Nyx Ebonheart

Nyx Ebonheart is a Drow Elf and Rogue, specializing as an Arcane Trickster. He joined the IKP at the beginning of Campaign 2. Nyx uses a combination of magic, sick stunts, and his dual daggers to defeat his enemies in combat. Nyx has silver hair, grey skin, and is stunningly attractive and androgynous; he is knee-high to an apple, and is the mentally (though not chronologically) youngest member of the IKP. His eyes were originally both lilac, but after making the deal on the Kel Asteroid, his right eye turned solid black, permanently. Nyx occupies the lauded position of resident brain cell for the IKP.

## Roleplaying Information

### Title

MMSS FreelancerHeir Spinneret (former)

Prince of Araneus

### Alliances

The IKPThe MMSS

The Aranean Empire (former)

### Known Relatives

Marachid Arachnitum (mother)Nephilia Arachnitum (aunt)

Portidonna Arachnutum (aunt)

## Personality

Nyx is a remarkably clever and mischievous person. He can be arrogant, artificial, and calculating, and in most situations looks first to ensuring his own safety and comfort. On the surface Nyx is eloquent and regal, and has a highly developed sense of social decorum. Those who know him will quickly discover that Nyx is also highly dramatic, and uses his skills at articulation and persuasion to swindle, trick, or otherwise outwit those around him. In his spare time Nyx enjoys knitting and working with textiles, and in general has an appreciation for the finer things in life. Underneath his aloof and stylish persona, Nyx can be surprisingly empathetic and gentle.

## History

Nyx has a storied, complex, and tragic backstory. He grew up in the Underdark (a series of underground Drow cities, societies, and empires), and hails from the Hanging City of Araneus. He is the sole heir to the royal family of Araneus, as his aunt, Portidonna, is the current Empress. Nyx's mother, Marachid, "died" in "childbirth," and Nyx was raised by the final royal sister, his aunt, Nephilia. In accordance with Aranean traditions, Nyx was raised as a girl. In addition, from a young age Nyx was trained in the art of espionage, strategy, and deceit, so that he could one day assume Nephilia's position as Spinneret.

The Spinneret acts as spymaster for the Empress, and ensures the care and feeding of Neith, the Emissary of the Demonweb Pits, a gigantic elf-eating spider who has lived in Araneus' caves long before the city was founded. Nyx took his first life in service of the Empire at age 16, and personally fed the body to Neith. This was a traumatic and foundational event for Nyx. Thus, Nyx was raised, half in decadent royal relaxation, and half in rigorous training. Nephilia ensured that Nyx never lost sight of his true purpose, and socialized Nyx to be fanatically loyal to the Empire, to believe in his inherent superiority as a member of the royal family, and to ruthlessly perform his duties as Heir Spinneret. Suffice to say, Nyx did not have many friends.

Everything changed, however, when Nephilia was assassinated. During a mission with Nyx she was hit by a poison arrow, and asked Nyx to end her suffering. Nyx obliged, but his moment of mercy was witnessed by dozens of Araneus' citizens. With Nephilia dead, a witch hunt on his heels, and a mysterious conspiracy against the Spinneret, Nyx fled Araneus. On the surface Nyx took measures to conceal his identity, and became embroiled in the criminal upper-underworld in order to survive (and maintain his lifestyle). In doing so he signed up with a group of skeevy "adventurers" (mercenaries), and eventually came across the IKP. The two groups battled and the rest of Nyx's companions were defeated. He convinced the IKP that he would be more useful as a companion than as an enemy, and thus a new chapter in his life began.

## Relationships

* Nyx has complicated, semi-maternal, semi-abusive relationships with Nephilia (assasinated?) and Neith (still a spider).
* Nyx became very close with Velloqui during the short time they travelled together; she was his first friend.
* Nyx prefers to think of himself as business associates with the other members of the IKP and the MMSS.
* Nyx *is* pen-pals with Planchette, however.

## Trivia

* Nyx's actual name is Nyxalis Arachnetum. He assumed the moniker Nyx Ebonheart to disguise his identity after leaving the Underdark.
* "Nyxalis" is a portmanteau of the words "nyx" and "chrysalis." "Nyx" is the name of the mother goddess of night. It also means "nothing" when spelled as nix. "Chrysalis" is the word for a caterpillar's cocoon. It's also used to describe the silk that spiders wrap their prey in. As such, "Nyxalis" literally means "void cage" or "caged by nothing".
* "Arachnitum" is a portmanteau of the words "arachnid" and "aconitum". "Arachnid" is the word for spiders, obviously. "Aconitum" is another name for a poisonous flower usually known as wolfsbane, monkshood, or "the queen of poisons". Therefore, "Arachnitum" literally means "spider, poison, queen".

## Inventory

* **Spider Staff.** The top of this black, adamantine staff is shaped like a spider. The staff weighs 6 pounds. You must be attuned to the staff to gain its benefits and cast its spells. The staff can be wielded as a quarterstaff. It deals 1d6 extra poison damage on a hit when used to make a weapon attack. The staff has 10 charges, which are used to fuel the spells within it. With the staff in hand, you can use your action to cast one of the following spells from the staff if the spell is on your class's spell list: spider climb (1 charge) or web (2 charges, spell save DC 15). No components are required. The staff regains 1d6 + 4 expended charges each day at dusk. If you expend the staff's last charge, roll a d20. On a 1, the staff crumbles to dust and is destroyed. Originally wielded by Velloqui, then by Nyx after she was elfnapped.
* **Bloodstone Boots**. A finely crafted, stylish pair of leather boots. Upon inspection, a small blade can be found hidden in the sole. Anyone looking for weapons must make a Perception check (DC 15) to spot the hidden blade. Bought at Wishbone, by Nyx.
* **Selune's Talisman**. A smooth shard of sea glass, carefully etched with the symbol of Selune (a pair of eyes surrounded by seven stars). Each shard has been strung with a short length of twine, as if it could be attached to a bag or charm bracelet. Planchette sends the talismans to Nyx in a letter, who then shares them with Faetra, Callus, and Krumgrum.
* **MMSS Field Research Journal**. A large, magical tome enchanted by Lazlow. The leather binding is emblazoned across the front with the emblem of the MMSS, which is a simple Spirograph made up of three ovoids. Lazlow gifts one to each of the members of the IKP; the journals automatically record data about whatever plane the user is in.
* **Stone of Very Far Speech**. A green, tear-drop shaped opalescent stone. The outline of a fern has been carved onto the face, and it hangs on a simple leather string. Fernwei gifts one to each of the members of the IKP; she enchanted them to work across different planes of existence. They have been attuned to the frequency of Fernwei and Lazlow's stones.
* **Climbing Axes**. A pair of axes specifically designed to sink into and detach from the tough bark of a tree. This pair is chipped but still sharp. Nyx loots this item from a camp nearby the mushroom glade.
* **Moonstone Circlet.** This silver circlet is of Elven make and is embedded with a moonstone. When the wearer is under moonlight, the Moonstone Circlet grants them a +1 to their Dexterity bonus. Given to Nyx by Dymphna.
* **Fancy and Politically Significant Fascinator**. A finely crafted Feywild hat whose style apparently has rich cultural and political meaning. It has been adorned with various ribbons and feathers. Nyx was gifted the FPS fascinator by a guest and hat appreciator at the Solstice Gala.
* **Belt of Stormweaving**. Purchased (and designed) by Nyx at Wishbone. A fashionable, purple leather belt with a heart buckle and a pair of dagger-sized sheaths. Attached to the sheaths are two coils of thin metal wire about 60 feet long, to be attached to the daggers within. This allows the daggers to be pulled back the user after they are thrown, and enables their use as grappling hooks. Additionally, the wires conduct electricity, dealing extra lightning damage.
* **Engineer's Kit**. A kit carried by Apollo Avium, containing all the necessary tools to repair an airship. Looted by Nyx.
* **Trinkets from the IMP**. Nyx took a few objects off of the IMP to remember them by, namely Apollo's fancy long coat and Solillum's monocle.
* **Sleepy Cozy.** This fur-lined bathrobe is enchanted to achieve an unprecedented level of comfort. When worn to sleep, four hours is sufficient for a long rest and you gain 2d10 temporary hit points when you awaken.
* **Half Moon Pendant.** A polished version of the half moon pendants worn by those under the control of the Black Eyes Entity. Given to Nyx by his doppelganger after he made the deal in Chapter 4.
* **Assassin's Garb.** A stylish set of armour for the modern assassin. Composed of thin, flexible metal that covers the torso, arms, and legs, as well as a hooded black cloak attached to the armor. There is built in space to put 1 hidden blade on each wrist. While wearing the assassin's garb, you have a +1 bonus on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when in dim light.
* **Astra, Wrath of the Tempest.** This dagger is made out of a golden metal and has a wavy, lightning bolt-shaped blade, radiating sparks of violet electricity. You gain a +1 to attack rolls with this dagger. Additionally, when you hit a creature with it, you deal an extra 1d4 lightning damage. This dagger also has three charges that replenish each day. You can expend one of these charges when you hit an enemy to cause electricity to run through their veins, stunning them. They must make a Constitution saving throw against your Spellcasting DC or be paralyzed for 1 minute. If they fail, they can repeat the save at the end of their turns.
* **Proditio, Talon of the Turncoat.** This dagger is made out of a violet material and has a wickedly curved blade. If you look closely, you can see violet flame licking at it. You gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls with this dagger. Additionally, when you hit a creature with it, they take an extra 1d4 psychic damage. When you hit a friendly creature with this dagger, all beings of your choice within 15 feet of them take damage equal to that of the stabbed target.