Raleigh Octavius

"Me? I didn't do anything wrong, per se... I just did what seemed right."

## **Background**

In the northern reaches of a distant land, the town of Ashkeep was generally known as a peaceful place. It was far from any important trade route, so it was rare to see merchants or bandits pass by the town. Ashkeep was, however, a well-known religious hub for pilgrims of all sorts, as it's most extravagant and massive building was a cathedral. Here, clerics and paladins of all sorts found sanctuary and safety amid the town's walls, and many came to pray or convene with their deities along their journeys.

In addition to pilgrims and holy folk, Ashkeep was more than happy to accept refugees and those seeking safety within their walls. Alicia Octavius, a Half-Elf with no family but her infant son, named Raleigh. They were allowed entry and provided with food, shelter, and neighbors of kind heart and wonderous repute. Thus, Raleigh Octavius grew up surrounded by Ashkeep's tall walls, and learned much about the town's history as a center of holy worship. The boy had what many described as an 'aura', and though no one could put a finger on exactly what that meant, they took it as a good sign.

It seemed, however, that Raleigh wasn't a perfectly normal Half-Elf. His skin seemed to remain ever pale, even as he grew into his teen years, and he had some distinct aversion to sunlight. Other children picked on him for his abnormalities, and more often than not Raleigh felt alone. He never could pick out exactly *why* his peers were so distant and cold; It just seemed like something natural. Regardless, it seemed as though the elders of the town never doubted the boy's ability or morals. They thought him completely innocent, even when a few other children turned up dead in an alley, or when a few elderly neighbors went missing altogether.

In truth, Raleigh was aware of something about himself that was far from obvious to his peers or elders; His father, a man named Moriarty, was a Moroi Vampire, and Raleigh himself was a Dhampir. Alicia Octavius, of course, was unaware of her son's strange lineage, and believed just as well as the other townsfolk that her son was an upstanding member of society. Through a combination of brilliant subtlty, controlled chaos, and deals made with the right shady individuals, Raleigh kept his secret hidden from everyone until the dawn of his eighteenth year, when he made his way out of town under the false pretense of a personal mission of faith. In reality, he left home in an attempt to find a way to cultivate new power. After many days and nights, he came across a twisted, ancient ruin, and decided to try something he'd learned about from the Paladins around Ashkeep.

Entering the ruin, he stood at the base of a shattered altar and spent a few hours coming up with an Oath. It was an Oath like no other, but in time it became exactly what he needed. Once ready, he recited an Oath of chaos, of selfish might, of riches taken and gain ill-gotten. He pledged, solemnly, sacredly, to always look out for himself. With that done, he decided to cultivate power and test his Oath through a number of different means. The first of his exploits, of course, was wandering, and for a couple years, that's all of what he did. Eventually, however, he discovered a place known as Absalom, and decided to make a trek there while he figured out a more efficient means of strengthening himself.

## **Appearance**

Standing only slightly taller than most, Raleigh's build seems to imply physical weakness, as his frame is slim and his muscles appear underdeveloped for someone of his profession. At times, he may even seem emaciated or malnourished, but these are just the result of his heritage.

In many ways, he physically resembles his Half-Elf mother, though his Dhampir heritage is betrayed by a number of unique features. Raleigh's raven-black hair mimicks dusk, and occasionally shines violet in the right lighting. His skin, like marble, gleams with an unearthly pale tone, several shades brighter than what most humans would consider normal. Raleigh's grin, in contrast even to other Dhampir, actually bears a pair of fang-like inscisors of similar length and sharpness to those of a True Vampire.

The Dhampir's attire consists primarily of light armor wrapped in simple cloths. The edges of his heavier metal gear are lined with dyed fur, protecting him from abnormally cold climates. A Sword, Shield, and Warscythe are all mounted on his back, nearly always just within his reach. In an attempt to somewhat obscure his face, Raleigh ties a light, semi-transparent cloth around his head to obscure his eyes from others' sight.

## **Personality**

Raleigh Octavius is a cocky, arrogant individual. While years of acting sweet for his town's elders taught him how to present himself to others, he often prefers to treat associates with condescension and spite. He has no qualms about telling people how he feels about them (especially when he finds them obnoxious), and loves to make his enemies upset. He does, however, lack foresight, and thus cannot easily anticipate the results of his actions in regards to other people.

Ultimately, Raleigh is driven by a single goal; He aims to make himself happy. If his desires and selfish wants seem to cross the path of another person, he will likely trample that person if he has to. Anyone who gets in his way becomes an obstacle, and Raleigh Octavius does not take kindly to obstacles.