Valeca

***"Sleep softly, and dream the sweetest dreams."***

Valeca is a member of Chimera.

## Appearance

Valeca is a tall, lean humanoid moth with white fur and grey hair. The sclera of their eyes is black, and their pupils a glowing cyan. From their back sprouts a set of midnight green and cyan wings, featuring bright eyespots with dark centers. Near their forehead are two feathery antannae, light blue in coloring.

### Clothing

Valeca wears a thick hand sewn cloak. It bears several eye-like rings, with bright cyan outside and black inside. The area surronding these rings is fitted with a midnight green outline that juts out, mimicking skeletal ribs. The cloak is adorned with lush fur for trims, sheared from a wandering trader's llama. They wear jet black heeled boots with midnight green heels, along with thin black pants and undershirt.

## Personality

Valeca is rather polite at first glance, being very charismatic and agreeable in conversation. Oftentimes, they are not one to oppose others directly, keen to let them play into their hand if need be. When motivated to direct action, they are set on instilling dread and regret in those who oppose them, as their experience with said emotions in their youth has convinced them that they are the most effective weapons. They keep their cards close to their chest, often putting on a facade for what they think others want to see from them. This results in a sort of passivity at times, where they tell those they intend to manipulate exactly what they know they want to hear.

Due to his typically manipulative, insincere demeanor, Valeca is not used to genuine or heartfelt conversation, normally only using conversation as a tool to get what he wants from others. Bearing genuine emotions to others can be, leading to him being unsure how to parse or express his thoughts at times.

## Backstory

Born in the deep dark caves of the world, Valeca thrust into danger from a young age. Through their experiences avoiding the monsters spawning across the caves they called home, they learned that brute force cannot elicit results, adopting elements of their current personality and outlook. Though, most of their formative experiences came with their contact with the sculk rooted in the deep dark. Their observations of and contact with the darkness inducing effects of the growths forced them to learn to manuever the world by sound, soon giving them a fondness for the finer sounds of the world. Because of this, Valeca developed a fondness for and curiousity towards the sculk, considering it the closest thing they had to family as they danced around the vicious strikes of the Warden, playing songs for it as they danced in and out of the creature's reach. This continued closeness to the sculk led Valeca to observe the qualities of the soul and how the growths would absorb it and grow from it. From this, Valeca began experimenting with ways to manipulate the energy of souls, developing his own low level spells that they uses to transform their violin and bow into their axe and shield. They became fascinated with the accumulation of knowledge, soon emerging to the world's surface, where they sought to expand their power and knowledge, adding both spells and songs to their repetoire as they traveled the world, soon encountering and joining the Chimera.

## Abilities

**Soul Manipulation** - Valeca can utilize the energy they've accumulated from exp, or soul, for various techniques, enchantments and spells, such as their transmutation of their instruments/weapons.

**Flight** - Valeca can utilize the wings on their back for flight, though they can be sensitive, leading Valeca to prefer the use of Elytra for lengthier trips as to not strain themselves.

**Increased Hearing** - Their times in the dark reaches of the world has prompted an increase in their hearing capabilities. They are able to detect even the faintest sounds nearby, with this sensitivity becoming bothering in overly loud situations like pillager raids.

## Current Story in Vempora

During Valeca's time observing the soulscape, studying those present and passed, they were interrupted by Maz, treating the realm as a playground. More amused than disturbed or disgusted, they took note of Maz's smug attitude, intent grind it beneath their heel. They tracked down the location of Carrion Kingdom, dueling Maz to a standstill and cleaving their mask off, intent to leave them be after that. They spoke nothing of the encounter to the other members of Carrion, the one who Valeca met with the most being Sugar, where they showed him the location of the End Portal entirely for the purpose of spiting Maz. Soon, when it came time to slay the Ender Dragon, Carrion spilled through the portal like thunder, claiming the egg at the moment of the Ender Dragon's death and quickly bringing it back to their home. Valeca, surprised by the action, became firm in their resolve to have their way with Carrion.

Soon after, they met with the recently emerged Umber, offering them gifts and pledging their loyalty to the former god of the sea. To this end, they arrived to Umber's aid when their meeting with Wilbur turned sour, assuring Umber of their alleigiance and leaving Shroomusalem with a threatening question, asking those present, "When destiny comes, where will you hide?"

They soon met with Sugar, a former friend who they clashed with during the Dragon battle. Though Sugar was sure to make clear that no intentional betrayal had been made, Valeca was clear to state that such opposition was a betrayal none the less. They promised to not hurt Sugar for the time being due to the bond they had previously shared, but noted their teammates would not be so lucky, pressing a button upon the sand and vanishing.

They would later meet with Umber at their house along with Harper, discussing facets of their relationship with Carrion and Shroomusalem. When Umber proposed the idea of selling their exports to gain advantage over those groups, Valeca agreed, leaving to make preperations for the ordeal.

The next day, the trio put together thinly veiled disguises and prepared to sell product for the "God Essence" brand, being confronted by Mr. Boom, curious of the shop's nature and asking for a sponsorship. Though they quickly recognized him as Wilbur J Shroom, Valeca pointed out that having this character on their side, be they Wilbur in disguise or a new entity altogether, could be useful, and that having another puppet to wrap their strings around could have its benefits. The group agreed to sponsor Mr. Boom and set out to make sales in various locations, with Valeca going under the moniker of "Baleca."

The tone of the night shifted when they arrived at Shroomusalem, where the group found that Gorminio had removed their stand and replaced it with several threatening signs. When offered a tour of Gorminio's oil rig, the group begrudgingly agreed, with Valeca remaining silent for the experience, intently observing the compound. Boom and Harper left the group, with Umber and Valeca welcomed into a pitch dark room with Gorminio sitting at a lone desk, armed from head to toe. They remained quiet as Umber and Gorminio spoke until being roped in when Gorminio remarked on the degrading nature of Umber's referral to Valeca by their species, with Umber asking Valeca if they were truly bothered by it. Valeca told them that the answer was complicated and unimportant, begging Umber to save the question for later. The confrontation between Gorminio and Umber reached its crescendo, with a pufferfish named "Arnold" flaring up and ejecting Umber from the room, with Valeca soon climbing out of the inky void and reuniting with Umber outside, running out onto the Nether highway with them.

Umber brought Valeca to a small hut in the overworld, shortly off of the Nether highway, demanding to know their answer to the earlier question. Valeca admitted that their feelings on the matter were multifaceted, saying that, though they had originally came to Umber with the sole intent of using them as yet another pawn, but they had grown attached, unsure how to feel for them. They awkwardly explained that their lack of acknowledgement of Umber's referral to them beforehand was a result of an intent to give those around them what they wanted, intent to use this passivity as manipulation. Umber admitted to similar motivations and experiences, acknowledging that he felt different towards them than others. They both admitted they were unsure how to be genuine with others, but that they wanted to try, both parts of the pair promising to be true to each other before parting ways for the night, both embarrassed by the mutual confession and agreeing to not speak of it again.

Soon after, Valeca accompanied Umber to meet Ereshim, inquiring about his current form. Seraph proceeded to give them a tour, where they met with Willow, Valeca silently being somewhat jealous about how close they were getting. The pair went back to briefly met at Umber's house again, briefly questioning whether Umber was still mortal. Valeca reassured Umber when he became ashamed of his current, ungodly stature, ensuring him that there was no other version of him he'd rather know than the one he is now and that he'll keep him safe no matter what. Umber, wanting to return the favor, gave Valeca a regenerative bottle of his blood to keep him safe.

The day of the Astral Light Festival, Valeca met with Umber, Ieilaf and Mr. Boom, each of them in formal attire, to go to the party together. When Umber was panicking upon the sight of a lush in Willow's house, Valeca could hear his cries and came running, assuring him that he was safe, and that he would make sure of it. When he saw Willow kiss Umber, Valeca was incredibly disheartened, but was sure to not interfere, rather having Umber be happy than themself.

As they walked away from the situation, they met with Mila, who asked them questions about the egg. Mila insisted it was more dangerous than they knew, and that they had a foul history with it. Mila proclaimed a new era was beginning with Carrion at the top, reciting Valeca's previous quote to Wilbur before they both went back to the party.

When arriving home, Valeca remained quiet at first, unsure what to think, Umber bringing him into his basement so they could talk. Valeca gave Umber a book containing the whereabouts of the Chimera, promising to show him the location sometime. The two sat together on the arms of Umber's basement throne, quietly discussing what had transpired and how they were feeling, Umber eventually coming to the realization that they had fallen for him, Valeca admitting the same. Both admitted they had never been in a relationship like this before after each placing a kiss on the other's hand before going back upstairs, Umber setting up a bet for Valeca in the bedroom. Umber admitted they had never slept in the same room as someone before, with Valeca assuring them that it was new territory for the both of them, telling them to "Sleep softly, and dream the sweetest dreams," before they both drifted into slumber.

## Relationships

Note: Some of these entries may be rewritten in the future to be more accurate or reflect current events.

Umber - Valeca's love and closest confidant. Though the pair met through disingenuous means, initally each manipulating each other for their own gain, both of them developed feelings for each other after spending more time together, agreeing to learn to be genuine with each other. Valeca is often attentive to any of Umber's needs, staying close to protect him when they're out together. Umber is the one person Valeca is comfortable being vulnerable and genuine with, and vice versa.

Willow - The two of them used to perform at Astral Light together, Valeca playing music on their violin and Willow singing. Though not close, they were good aquaintances. Valeca often found her too kind for her own good, often wondering if it was disingenuous in a way. When Umber began meeting with Willow, Valeca became less fond of her presense, able to tell she was also interested in the former sea king. After the Astral Light festival, the status of their relationship is unknown.

Azaki/Loki - Both members of the group, the two met through Chimera, constructing their base in the mountains. In the past, Valeca would encourage Azaki's bad habits, purposefully manipulating his immaturity. After the dragon fight, Valeca has not seen Azaki, assuming he couldn't handle the loss and was searching for purpose. He is looking forward to what becomes of him and if he'll make his return, intent to see if whether or not he'll be fit to lead.

Harper - Valeca met Harper through Chimera, working together to construct the base with her. Their relationship is one of business, they know next to nothing of each other and don't ask anything of it, assisting each other to further their goals. They are the member of Chimera Valeca has met with the most since the dragon fight due to their involvement with Umber.

Wilbur - Valeca does not hold any grave intent against Wilbur, despite his threats towards him when rescueing Umber. He originally playcated Wilbur during the forming of Shroomusalem, where Wilbur referring to him as his "Judas". He finds Wilbur amusing, if not annoying at times, but not seeing him as dangerous enough to worry or care for in any context.

Mr. Boom - Being much more involved with him than his counterpart, Valeca initially suspected Mr. Boom to be a poor disguise for Wilbur, developing a better understanding of his situation. He finds Mr. Boom endearing and also naive, appreciating his well-meaning but often pointless support. He occassionally bothered by the volume of Boom's outbursts of fireworks given his hearing, but he doesn't mind enough to bring it up with him, not wanting to ruin his fun.

Gorminio - Valeca finds Gorminio deeply unsettling, his world reminding Valeca of the dark pits of the underground he once called home. Past that, Valeca finds him perplexing, hoping their paths don't cross unless it is necessary.

Maz - After their initial communication and subsequent battle, the two have developed somewhat of a rivalry. Valeca finds his ambition misguided, and that it is destined to bring him down when he goes too far. They find Maz's smug and overconfident attitude amusing, and is rather eager to tear it apart, looking forward to when he can meet with him again.

Mila - Valeca only knows Mila through their involvement with Carrion, and currently has little opinion of them outside of it. Valeca found their meeting with Mila at the Astral Light festival intriguing, curious to learn more about them. They were surprised by her sudden turn in attitude, given Mila's unassertive behavior in previous encounters. Valeca finds their very existence intriguing, given they had interacted with Sculk much earlier in life but had never seen it take on a human host.

Sugar - Formerly, Valeca's relationship with Sugar was a positive one, the two being friends. Even after Valeca had fought with Maz, he still met with Sugar from time to time, the two helping each other gather resources. After Carrion opposed Chimera at the dragon fight, they met, both noting that they could not be friends anymore. Though they have not spoken directly since, whenever they happen to be in the same location, the two often intensely lock eyes, engaging in wordless conversation. He is one of the few that can see past Sugar's surface, knowing that recently they haven't quite been the same.

## Miscellaneous

* Valeca is named for the Vallecula in the human vocal structure.
* When conceptualizing Valeca's palette, a warmer set of colors, featuring oranges and browns, was initially chosen, with the switch being made to cooler colors to align with their backstory with the sculk and provide more contrast within the palette itself.