Name: Malefi NoctisMalefi; short for malefica, Latin for "witch" or, more accurately, "evil doing woman"
Noctis; Latin word, root nox, meaning "of the night"
Blood colour: Old Rust (#782815)
Gender: Female
Symbol: Bat (animal)
Profile: Malefi is not the easiest troll to get to know, not because she is intentionally secretive or foul tempered - though her appearance may suggest otherwise - but simply because she doesn't wear her pump biscuit on her sleeve. This redblood is even tempered and tends to lump every troll she meets into a neutral category until she gets to know them better, regardless of their bloodcaste. Though she doesn't exactly fit the stereotype of redbloods always being friendly and polite, Malefi will not spurn any friends she makes because of their blood color or any mutations; in that regard, everyone could be considered a potential ally or, as the case may be, a potential rival.
In all honesty, Malefi doesn't care that much about the hemospectrum but she is cognizant of it enough to keep herself out of harm's way. There won't be any mistaking her for a rebel or royal dissenter, even if her enthusiasm for the military is markedly low. Her neutrality towards the hemospectrum is evident in the way she speaks to others, which tends to be quite blunt and straight forward. She doesn't posture herself to any highbloods to earn their favor but she refrains from any sort of behavior that could start a fight. Malefi is quite lacking in the aggression department, as befitting her blood color, so she is more intent to pacify and cooperate when tempers run high. If anyone is upset with her, she will do her best to apologize and make things right - not just so she can avoid the consequences, but so that she can genuinely improve herself and what relationship they may have.
While she isn't opposed to social gatherings and does make showings around the neighborhood, Malefi is rather a homebody. She vastly prefers interior structures that provide so many basic needs and enjoys the many comforts they afford, including privacy. Malefi does enjoy her share of solitude, as too much socializing for this troll can be quite an exhausting affair, but she is still grateful for the interactions she has and the people she knows. In fact, one of her favorite pastimes (FLARP) is a highly social game but it has the added benefit of regulated and scheduled time periods which she can monitor and control. When she isn't in her hive, Malefi rarely travels far from it and almost never leaves town, which makes it very easy to locate her. Call her old fashioned, but when Malefi does step out she leaves a little sign on her front door with notices like -- Back in one hour. Gathering tinder.
Though Malefi limits this outlook to inanimate objects and trivial pursuits, this troll is rarely interested in things that don't provide some sort of use or benefit. That is to say, you won't ever find Malefi judging a troll's worth by their usefulness to her or their productivity towards the Royal Alternian Army; she is, however, the type of troll that will ask why something is considered fun when it serves no purpose (such as unrelated third parties participating in real life shipping, for instance). During her time spent in the humble hive, Malefi busies herself with hearthcrafts and practical skills, like sewing, whittling, cooking, candle making, and even glass blowing. Almost every little odd and end in her house from cups, bowls, and utensils, to her drab garments, are handmade by herself. There are even several scrap, recipe, and notebooks Malefi bound on her own sitting on her shelves. She hasn't set up any kind of shop for it, preferring to give the things she makes away in a system of barter if she parts with them at all, but if she keeps practicing it may be something worth pursuing in the future.
Malefi is rather independent for her age, though this is not at all as a result of neglect from her lusus. Quite the opposite, in fact; Batdad has been a very stable and supporting custodian for Malefi since she completed her trials. He keeps a reasonable distance from her personal affairs while still offering insight and protection, and Malefi genuinely appreciates any input he has to offer. The hulking wingbeast can be downright affectionate at times, scooping her into his wings for naps or trying to give her a tonguebath when he thinks she's in need of a wash. Some trolls might find that side of things embarrassing but Malefi is quite tolerant of it (but she isn't going to sit for a bath in lusus saliva, no thank you). Sometimes she will even seek Batdad out herself for some snuggle time. Reading is also a favored pastime for Malefi, and often she will read aloud to her lusus who is as enthralled as a child with a bedtime story by the monotone delivery of his ward.
Strengths:
- Calm Mind
Malefi has a very long fuse. She is patient, rarely prone to outbursts and even on the odd occasion one slips out her aggression is quick to fizzle. Keeping her head clear helps her to think logically and critically under pressure, have a keen situational awareness, and makes it harder for her to become stressed or anxious. It's especially helpful to keep her cool around more hot headed trolls to avoid escalating incidents.
Resolute
Though without proper motivation Malefi could be considered lackadaisical, when she has a clear objective to meet then you will never see her work turn out half-assed. Things performed out of obligation or routine are far more likely to see high quality results than things Malefi chooses to do on a whim and she does well to keep her hobbies as hobbies and her work a priority. The same is true for any pacts she makes with others; you can bet she'll see goals through to the end and will do her best to make good on agreements.
Actual Factual
Malefi's lack of bias and prejudice means many things in such a strict caste-based society but of most importance to her it means she relies on only one thing: facts. She isn't impressed by fancy words and believes what her senses tell her. Actions count more than promises and any promise without results to back it up is empty and meaningless. This makes it hard for the wool to get pulled over her eyes, because most liars will stammer if you tell them to "prove it".
Flaws:
- Stick in the Mud
Malefi is not one you could call adventurous. She has her preferred interests, her tried and true methods, and it's rare she deviates from them; after all, if it ain't broke don't fix it. At worst, Malefi can be a killjoy when she scrutinizes unfamiliar things too closely and focuses on their flaws before she gives them a chance -- but she will, once you sell her on its merits.
Lukewarm
Along with her cool interior, Malefi has an aloof demeanor. She often understates her emotional responses, whether they're positive or negative, which can make deeper communication with others difficult. If she is upset by something, it will often be brushed aside as unimportant due to her delivery. Likewise, it can make her seem ungrateful when others aren't given the boisterous reception they had expected.
Impartial
The double edged sword of Malefi's neutrality comes with the unfortunate side effect of others believing her to be disloyal. If someone very close to her is in the wrong and she's fully aware, do not ever expect her to lie for you. She may omit certain details on a case by case basis but Malefi will never twist the truth. This redblood is absolutely NOT a "ride or die" type and it can be extremely disappointing when she tells you flat out that you have no one to blame but yourself for the consequences of your actions.
Weapon: A bident; two pronged pitchfork often associated with rulers of the underworld, like Hades. It would be used as a lance or spear.
Appearance: At first glance, Malefi looks like she's had a bad day. Her face is so often set in a glare, it's hard not to wonder what pissed her off this time. Unless she is consciously trying to look softer, or an emotion is on display, Malefi's default expression is an unpleasant scowl. For other even tempered low bloods, this can make her seem unapproachable and easily angered. To those higher on the hemospectrum, it could appear downright insulting and get her into trouble if she isn't careful around the right troll, lest she be judged as insubordinate by her superiors. Despite first impressions, she moves calmly and gives no other indication toward a foul mood. She has choppy hair a bit longer than her shoulders that gets into her face and most definitely looks like she cut it herself. Her wardrobe is fairly consistent with raggedy looking dresses but she has a particular fondness for striped socks. Her horns are small and pointed with a slight curve, almost like ears. For the most part, Malefi doesn't seem especially noteworthy - she would disappear easily in a crowd - if not for the curl of her boots and the occasional addition of a pointed hat when the weather is poor. Most distracting of all is a mole that sticks out against the bridge of her nose.
Home: Malefi's hive is notably humble, as any hemospectrum respecting redblood's would be. It's a little out of the way in Chittentown, though the trek to it is not complicated nor beset by many obstacles. The exterior looks a bit ramshackle, sturdy but not well insulated. Malefi's hive has only the main floor, a small attic that doubles as her respiteblock, and a likewise small cellar that serves as general storage. Inside, the hive is warmly lit and surprisingly cozy, if cluttered. There are very few doorways to separate rooms, which means most of the hive sort of blends together except for the ablutionblock which is suitably cordoned off. The ceilings are a little low, though most fully adult trolls would have no problem standing upright unless their horns were especially vertical. Outside, there is a constructed outcropping covered with draping dull red cloth; it is shaped similarly to gallows and is where Batdad can hang himself upside down to sleep. When the weather is nice, sometimes Malefi sleeps outside with him wrapped up in his leathery wings.
Lusus: He stands at least twice her size and is a cross between a gigantic megabat and a lemur, which calls an uncanny resemblance to the flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz. Batdad is a nurturing lusus but does well to keep a balance in how he raises Malefi so as not to smother nor spoil her and they have a very cooperative partnership as a result. He will sometimes nudge her to do things she may feel less inclined to, either because they need doing, like self care, or to help broaden her horizons; otherwise, he encourages Malefi to make her own decisions and that includes fostering independence in her so that when she makes mistakes she can handle them responsibly. When Malefi is just walking around the neighborhood, he lets her go alone but on longer trips Batdad will always accompany her both to keep her safe as well as make the journey easier; long travels involve flight and his little troll being carried on his back with any luggage conveniently held between his rear paws or prehensile tail. He also makes a point to meet any trolls she is becoming acquainted with, as well as demanding to escort her to their hive even if they are close by so he can easily navigate to her in case of emergency. Though some trolls might be embarrassed by affection from their lusus, Malefi makes no fuss when Batdad wraps her up in his wings while he hangs from the rafters for sleep.
