Main Character Backstories
Lorraine Direbrook
Before she was Mayor, she was just Lorraine of the East Direbrooks. The East Direbrooks are looked down on by the rest of the family, because they don’t contort themselves to fit into the family-shaped box. But more on that later.
Middle child to Atropa, Lorraine was blessed - or cursed - with the ability to aether walk. She’d been able to do it from birth, but the family in charge didn’t find out until she was 14. And the day they did, her life changed forever. Once, before she was able to control her power, she aether-walked in her sleep. But this time, she got stuck in the aether. The Baroness at the time, Sylvia Direbrook, was informed via spirits, of Lorraine’s presence and location in the Aether. After retrieving her, Sylvia took Lorraine home, and declared that she would train her to control her power, and prevent any more accidental realm-jumping. Lorraine was happy to finally have a mentor, but sad that she would have to leave her home and immediate family.
They left that same day through bittersweet goodbyes between Lorraine and her mother and sisters. Training began as soon as they arrived at the Baroness’s Manor, and never let up. It wasn’t just Majik training, but also a traditional court education: leadership, etiquette, speech, dance, reading, writing, literature, accounting, etc… Having no natural heirs of her own, Sylvia eventually named Lorraine as her successor Lorraine didn’t like the constant lessons and strict rules, and would constantly push back, making sure her voice was heard, fighting to keep her individuality through everything.
In order for the title of Baroness to pass from one witch to another, the Baroness-to-be must first pass a test. This test consists of aether-walking into the Dæmon Realm and entering into a contract with a Dæmon. The contract stabilizes and boosts the witches power. Lorraine talked with her little sister Sarria (Dæmonologist) before leaving, asking what kind of Dæmon she should gravitate towards. Sarria told her to look for a Dæmon with both a strong aura and Majik. She also added that they should be attractive. She entered the realm and spent days trying to connect with dæmon after dæmon but couldn't find one with a compatible energy.
Several days passed before she found the Dæmon Prince Garrofir. Their energies were compatible, and he was familiar to her, though she didn’t know why. After much deliberation, terms were agreed to, the pact was made, and she arrived back in Direbrook with her Dæmon companion in tow. Through their bond Lorraine felt his magic flow into the town. She eventually decided to change her title to Mayor.
Years passed before Lorraine met Penny, once a prisoner of the Majik Council, now on the run. Even before hearing her story, she promised Penny her protection, and they bonded as friends with a common enemy. Over the years they grew closer, eventually leading to their marriage.
She always knew she wanted to open the portals, and her pact with Garrofir and bond with Penny gave her the power and confidence to make it happen. She knew the Majik Council would object, but she also knew that Direbrook could handle them, and she had the support of almost every inhabitant. She holds her head high, ready to face anything coming at her or her people.
Your move, Majik Council.
Penny Direbrook
Penny was mortal at one point, with a normal mother, father, and, like many young children, an imaginary friend. As she grew older, though, she learned that this “imaginary” friend was not imaginary at all, but the ghost of her sister who died before she was born. She grew up with Penny, staying by her side and being the friend who understood her the most. Her mother was an herbalist and taught Penny everything she could, which was a lot and something she holds onto to this day.
Being able to see the ghost of her sister was just one of the things that made her feel different. She’s always felt a connection to something not of her world, something she couldn’t explain. But she was afraid of being an outsider, so she never really tried to. However, one day curiosity got the better of her and led her to a river; without thinking she jumped in, letting it take her where it would. At some point, she realized that the water wasn’t water anymore but some kind of energy, the leylines of the mortal realm. The flow of the energy was so strong that all she could do was keep her head above the magic, and try not to drown in it..
By the time she was able to escape the leyline, she had no idea where she was or how much time had passed, but she knew that something had changed within her. She could feel it radiating from her body, but it was too much to bear. Losing control and unable to stand, she sensed others, saw them for seconds before passing out from the pressure of her own power.
When she awoke, she was somewhere new. Stone walls surrounded her, a small bed in one corner and a chair across the way. One window and one door. It was a cell.
She looked out the window, finally seeing the new world she was in. It was beautiful, if frightening. Her inquisitive mind overpowered the fear and she looked at the tower that held her, high above the ground with no way to get down safely. When her captors finally arrived, they were able to immobilize her with a wave of a hand, before she could even react. They looked intrigued at her existence and thus began experimenting into what she was.
Time lost all meaning. After what could have been weeks or decades, she concluded that escape was impossible and she needed to change. While they were studying her, she began studying them, learning their language and inferring their culture: the Majik council was her imprizoner’s, she was in a realm with witches and other magical beings, her family was long dead, and she herself is an anomaly. Something that shouldn’t exist.
Eventually the council learned all they could of her, but they wouldn’t let her go, so they kept her in the tower. A prisoner forever. She made a point to show interest in reading in front of them, thinking that she could learn more and eventually escape. Thinking she could do no harm, they let her into a library. Eventually they would leave her there alone for hours at a time, only returning to escort her back to her cell.
Years passed and she absorbed as much about her new world and circumstances as she could. She was no longer mortal, the leylines had become forever a part of her. She could feel the power flowing in her, and could sense the power in those around her..
While she never learned to generate her own magic, she found she could manipulate the powers of those around her, or capture it and store it in objects for use later. Her captors, recognizing a new threat in her, began placing wards to keep her in the tower.
After getting more of a handle on her powers she started trying to escape, none of them successful and the council began placing wards around to keep her in. What they didn’t know is that they would need some to keep others out.
Planning her next escape, a large swirling black and gray spot appeared in front of her and a woman clouded in dark clothing stepped out. She introduced herself as Void Witch, immediately Penny started begging her for help. She had only herself to rely on for so long that, when an opportunity presented itself, she was desperate. The Void Witch was willing to help and opened a portal out of her prison. As soon as she was out, Penny stayed with Void as she went traveling through Majik before losing her after two days. On her own, in a world she didn’t know, she was soon captured. They had placed new barriers to keep out Void Witch. Not that it changed the outcome.
Eventually, Penny had had enough and asked Void Witch to take her somewhere she could be safe. Void Witch led her to Direbrook where she was introduced to The Mayor: Lorraine. She told her entire story, and at the end, Lorraine promised to keep her safe. She was welcomed into the community and became a great friend to many. Remembering what her mother taught her and bringing it to her new home, she finally felt safe. She built a partnership with Lorraine for the future of Direbrook and the push back against The Council. They developed feelings for one another and eventually married.
Penny, with friends and family watching her back, is ready for whatever the Majik Council throws at her.
Garrofir
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Lady Plague Direbrook
Sybil was born to a witch mother and mortal father. Their family was beautiful… while it lasted, but all great things must come to an end, the Black Plague ravaged their village, claiming so many lives, it seemed that young Sybil would not be spared from this devastation. After all other remedies failed to save her, Sybil’s mother told her husband of one spell that could heal Sybil. However, it would come at a cost: someone would have to trade their health for Sybils’. He did not hesitate to accept the terms.
She knew that performing this spell would mean the love of her life would not likely survive, but she also knew he would live on in their daughter. The spell worked, but not without complications: The spell inadvertently cast a curse on Sybil. A linking curse - when others look directly into Sybil’s eyes, it connects their life to hers. If Sybil gets hurt, she doesn’t take the damage, but instead the one connected to her life takes the damage. Knowing it was too late for her, but hoping to protect her daughter and everyone else, Sybil’s mother covered her face with the only thing she could find: a plague mask.Soon they were the only ones left alive in their village, as everyone else had either died or left to get away from the sorrow. Her mother died eventually, leaving Sybil on her own, a small child with no one beside her. Not for long, though, as her aunt (Atropa) found her soon after. Atropa left Majik hoping to find her sister and bring her home, only to find her niece instead. She knew it was her, she could feel the familiarity radiating off her body. Atropa could sense that her sister was no longer bound to this world and took it upon herself to raise Sybil as her own.
In Direbrook she formally adopted the child. Not knowing exactly how old she was or when she was born, she chose Sybil’s adoption day as her birthday. Atropa was open with Sybil, and told her everything she knew of her life, family, and history. Sybil eventually became the elder sister to babies Lorraine and Sarria.
The day Lorraine became Mayor, she bestowed Sybil with the title Lady Plague. This is the only name any outside the family know, and she has since become the right hand Lady to the Mayor.
Lady Plague knew her purpose in life was to protect her family by taking the role of big sister emotionally, and she honed skills towards that end. Alchemy began as a hobby, but soon became a passion. Going on trips with Void Witch to the White Market, building connections and rapport, or going to the Mortal Realm intended for ingredients. As she was visiting the Mortal Realm, she found it fascinating and began her research into humans. Although that was more of a hobby.
That’s one of the reason’s she was so excited that the walls between realms were going to open. Now she's ready for the future more than ever.
Sarria Direbrook
Sarria, youngest daughter to Atropa Direbrook. Spoiled by all, but not spoiled herself. Conceived through an encounter during a blood moon with a master vampire, the identity of whom remains unknown to everyone but Atropa herself. Sarria was told that she couldn’t know who her father was, for her own protection.
Sarria’s powers were discovered after an… unfortunate blood puddle incident. It took years of hard training to master her powers, and to gain self-control. But master them she did, becoming a force to be reckoned with: a Blood Witch. Sarria has a strong bond with her family, but even though she has a handle on her powers, she’s still nervous about losing control and using it on them. That doesn’t mean she can be pushed around or walked on. If you get on her nerves, you’ll find out just how ruthless she is.
Being half-witch, Sarria has few of the drawbacks of a full vampire: she can drink blood, but doesn’t need it to survive, and prefers to eat normal food, instead; she is sensitive to light, but the sun doesn’t actually harm her. She does have some benefits as well, like blood manipulation, ability to make thralls (mortals who have been compelled into the vampire’s service), and inhuman speed and strength. She doesn’t like being called a vampire; she sees herself as different from the rest: a Blessed Blood, and as such is fascinated by dæmons and dæmonology. She says it’s just a hobby, but she’s become the resident translator/communicator between dæmons and the rest of Direbrook.
Even though Sarria didn't get to see Lorraine as much as Sybil, she connected to her just as much. Sarria was the one who helped Lorraine choose the dæmon she would bond with. Her words to Lorraine were “The Dæmon should have tenacity. They should be strong, but want to get stronger. And also hot. Like, really hot.” Priorities.
Sarria’s personality comes out strongest when she’s interacting with her cousin Euly. She knows Euly does it mostly to help Sarria relax and release tension. So don’t worry if you see them going at it, it’s nothing serious….usually.
When Lorraine informed Sarria about the plan to open the walls between the realms she was nervous, but knowing that she’s not alone made her push that fear aside. Now she’s ready to do whatever is necessary for Direbrook’s future.
Euly (Direbrook)
Born in the Celestial Realm to mother Lunar Belladonna and father Astraeus - a God of stars, planets, and Astrology. Through her father, Euly gained a connection to the stars. Through her mother, she gained an empathetic power. Her power manifested itself when she was 8, drawing on the energy of the stars to manipulate her mother into giving her a cookie. She was raised with love, responsibility and understanding. Being half-witch, she was treated as ‘less than’ by many gods and celestials. Luckily, her father shut them down and made sure she knew that he would always be at her side whenever she needed.
Euly loves parties, and in the Celestial Realm, anything can be a reason to throw one. She used her power to alter the moods of the immortals around her, making them happy, or excited, or energized, as they needed. This got her in trouble a couple times, because the celestials are egotistical, and don’t appreciate being “manipulated by lesser beings.”
One day, her father read the stars and saw that her path must lead to Direbrook. Her mother would come along to introduce her to Euly’s aunt (Astrea) and cousins (Sybil, Lorraine, and Sarria) before returning to the Celestial Realm. Her father gave her a stone to remind her of home, and help her when her own emotions got out of control.
Euly was introduced to the Void Witch, who led her and her mother through a portal to Direbrook. This place was very different from the Celestial Realm. She felt that her father was right: the next chapter of her life would be here. She met her family and connected instantly. They felt close and familiar. She briefly met Lorraine at Baron Sylvia’s home, but even that brief meeting was enough to feel a strong connection.
As the years passed, she grew closer to her family and the residents of Direbrook and going to different realms for events and parties with anyone willing to join. She made friends with many beings. She used her emotion manipulation when the situation called for it and even when it didn’t. Once Lorraine became Mayor, Euly became closer with her. She felt what it was like to have support from those who aren't immediate family.
Eventually, Lorraine offered the job of Lore Keeper to Euly, because she saw how connected she was to the residents and their stories. Euly is now in charge of inscribing Direbrook’s Story for those who wish to know, and she takes great pride in her position.
The gates have opened, which means more parties - and more danger. Just the way she likes it.
Void Witch
(Endora Katerina Emily Maureen Razel)
Void Witch’s early life is shrouded in mystery. She remembers almost nothing about her past. It wasn’t until the gates opened and the visitors helped her that she even remembered her name. She remembers being in the Void. There were others there, like her: strewn across time and space, somehow outside of both… She felt her power manifest as a small aperture, but she couldn’t hold it for long, and back to darkness they were.
She spent what felt like millennia opening one portal after another after another, trying to get them big enough for her and the others to escape. Even when she failed, she enjoyed looking into the portals. Most opened into nothingness, but some had creatures and other things she had never seen before. More than once, it opened to a realm she would later learn was called Majik. She witnessed the witches first arrive, and when they separated into their own villages, and the war with the monsters She watched it all from the void. Still trying to escape the void, she felt a sense of calm surrounding the town of Direbrook. Watching as Direbrook grew, she wanted to be there with those she felt to be her kin.
Finally, she was able to open a portal large enough to travel through, and hold it open long enough to free herself, and vowed to free her people. As she stepped through the portal, she watched the bustling of all the beings. They were happy and enjoying themselves, this was the place her kind would love to call home.
She eventually found the one whose magical pull was the strongest and asked for help. She was taught how to control her skill as best she could, but Void magic has a price that she wasn’t aware of at first. Memories are hard to keep, and she had to write down the important ones, or lose them forever. She’s still working hard to free her people, called Voidkin from the dark.
Over the years since she opened the gates, Void Witch has found her place in this town she now calls home. She leaves Direbrook only to explore as she had never really been to any of the places she used to see through from the Void.
No matter how many years it has been, portals are finicky, and if you get distracted or don’t know exactly where you are going, it will choose for you. Which is how she met Scrabble. Penny, however, drew the Void Witch to her like a beacon. Penny’s power to move other’s magic and hold it in objects, pooled together and attracted Void Witch to find out what was going on near the Majik Council. After helping Penny escape, she allowed her to follow her on her journey and eventually realized that Penny was no longer with her. When she found Penny next, she had been recaptured by The Council and was back in the tower. Not that they could stop her from being able to get in and out, with Penny in tow. Feeling bad for losing her so many times, she eventually brought her to Direbrook.
As resident portal-opener, she is high in demand,from exploration of the human realm, to monster parties and, more recently, an escape from family-related Direbrook issues. Void Witch has watched Direbrook for so long that no one actually remembers when she first arrived. Not even her.
But the gates are open, and she’s ready for whatever comes through.
Professor Balthazar LeGhoul
Balthazar LeGhoul grew up in the Human Realm and was seen as a prodigy, even as a child. Their audacity knows no bounds. They had a natural talent for Necromancy, so when they were approached by The School of Dark Magic for The Unnatural, it seemed like a natural fit. Growing up at the school, they became well-versed in all types of dark magic. A dangerous combination of evil, charisma, and cunning, Balthazar was able to get people to do what they wanted before they even realized what happened. They found out later that the school and Majik Council were in cahoots with each other, a fact that would eventually align their interests with those of Direbrook.
Self-serving and ambitious, Balthazar never does anything if it won’t benefit them. Even good things. They once saved a family from execution, but only because the father was the owner of their favorite dining establishment and if the father died, where would they eat? They couldn’t have that happen.
When they realized that the headmaster and Majik council finally caught them on SOMETHING, they knew they’d have to leave. They developed a perfect, flawless escape plan, so naturally it went horribly wrong. Luckily, the backup plan arrived in the form of a history book, talking about the disappearance of many people suspected to be witches. The intrigue pulled at them. Gnawed at them. They continued reading, fascinated by the theory that the witches had moved to another dimension. The wizards and witches left behind tried to join them but, being unable to open any portal to this other dimension, they were eventually discovered and killed. Fortunately, the book showed the spell needed to open the portal, so Balthazar decided to go for it. They packed up what they could and started the spell. Within seconds, the portal opened. They could not see through it, just dark swirls, but it did not stop them. they walked through, leaving their life behind.
Stepping into this new world, the light was too bright for their eyes. The land was unstable and they dropped to their knees. They were found by Void Witch and brought before Lorraine, who didn’t like their attitude or the fact that they had “done the impossible,” as Balthazar put it. Their story seemed to surprise the Mayor, which just made them more proud of themselves. The Mayor gave them a place to live and kept them under observation for some time, while they figured out what to do with them.
Eventually the Mayor gave them an assignment, because in Direbrook everyone works. They chose Secondary Advisor/Lawyer. While not happy with being second, Balthazar was glad that they at least recognized their skills. They decided to stay, mostly because Direbrook had quite a fabulous dining establishment, and mead. The fact that the town was in the sky seemed stupid to them, but if the Direbrook people wanted to potentially fall to their deaths, who were they to stop them?
Balthazar formed connections with the chef and the one who makes the mead. Those, as well as on-again/off-again friendships with Euly and Void Witch were the only relationships they valued. Other people mattered little to them, merely things they could use for their own ambitions.
Despite the rumors, Balthazar has never had intercourse with a corpse. They do enjoy the rumors other beings invent to explain them. It just means they're often the center of attention, which is where they belong.
Balthazar believes opening the gates will serve no purpose other than inviting danger into Direbrook and to them. But knowing that the direbrooks plan to take down the Majik Council means he can stop hiding.
Now they're just waiting for the show to start.
Greyhand
Greyhand was born into a merchant house in Direbrook. Not much is known about Greyhand, as she likes to stay out of the limelight. She gets things done with her commanding voice ability, but doesn’t like to use it for frivolous things. Growing up next to merchants, she was trained by the best, and worked hard to prove herself. She was chosen to become the Head Merchant, and has since taken her role seriously. Her merchants are her children (figuratively). She takes care of them, while also keeping them in line.
She watched as Lady Plague started building her connections with the townsfolk, - merchants included. She kept a close eye, just in case a situation arose. She’s friends with the Direbrook family now, but there was a time when she couldn’t care less about them, as long as they didn’t cause trouble for her or the other merchants. Her thought process was: ‘If it’s good for the many, it’s good for business’.
The gates are open, and all she can see are opportunities on the other side. She’s excited for the coming future.
Amera
Pixies are mischievous in nature. Playing tricks on any creature easy enough to fall for them. However, Dark Pixies are extra in ways you can’t see coming. They don’t just want to play tricks and keep you on your toes, if you aren’t careful they might want your toes for their collection. Amera, born into this realm, was raised by the whispers and movements in the dark. Never a dull day with her brood in the rotting husk of a Rowan tree.
Born not long after the war between the witches and monsters, Amera was warned and trained to stay away from witches or else they would capture her, crush her wings into dust, experiment and then display her husk to other witches. A nightmare that kept her far away from anything close in shape.
After years of tricks and traps, Amera became bored and chose to expand her horizons. Leaving home was exciting and nerve-wracking, she was ready for this next adventure in her life. Being alive for so long made it quite easy to survive. Keep to the dark, slow your breathing and don’t speak unless you must. She explored Majik, never losing her playful nature, making new friends and staying safe. On her journey she ended up laughing so hard she fell into the light, only to be shielded by the dark, if only for a moment. She looked up to the sky. A floating rock, even to her who has been in this realm all her life she has never seen this (blank) picture before. It may be in the sky, in the light, but her curiosity became overpowering.
She threw caution to the wind and made her way to that which piqued her interest. Finally arriving, she swiftly flew to the shadow of a home and watched in horror as the rock she was now on was filled with witches. She was just about to turn and run back to the safety of the land on the ground, when she saw that this rock not only held witches, but also monsters. Minotaurs, Daemons, Half-bloods, Fae. Were they trapped? Were they prisoners? She got closer and was met with surprise as she was spotted by two witches. Euly and Balthazar she would later learn. They introduced themselves and guided her to one called Penny, saying that she would be the best one to talk to. (explain why she followed) She met Penny and felt like she found a friend even before meeting eyes.
Green thumb she never had, but she watched as Penny treated her plants with a softness she had never experienced. Penny never pressured Amera and waited for her to talk. She made a home fit enough for Amera. Eventually gifting a potion which would allow her to change her size at will, so she could be as big as those around her.
While there, she learned of their plan to fight against the Majik Council and open the portals to every Realm. She felt like this was her place to be and offered her assistance. Learning what she could about the mortal realm and falling in love with the many different mortal oddities ‘social media’, she mastered the craft to help her newfound family.
The gates are open and she is enjoying every second of it. Ready to use her skills to Direbrook’s advantage. Including her own.