Hello there, fine citizens of the Multiverse! I am Gesserith, a human, and one of the Brokers of New Capenna. Although I am a Planeswalker, it was a recent development. I began my ascension through the ranks by creating contracts and doing recruitment via Omenpaths that had sprung up after that detested invasion. Only after a near-death experience did I truly discover the expanses of this reality. But still, all I do is to help advance the Broker's influence over Capenna, and ideally uniting the city with contracts, and perhaps the multiverse as well.
My asks are open for all to inquire about my adventures, ask for information about the family, or just random thoughts. I've been around enough, so my advice is quite good. Any questions that can be considered legally binding will be accepted as such. Any attempt to finagle, hornswaggle, or otherwise cheat the system will result in feeding to the Sewer Crocodiles. If you evade the crocodiles, you will be considered a traitor to the Brokers and will be engaged on sight. Remember, we have the high ground.
OOC: Hey there! My main blog is @xenobladexfan, where I post some degree of Magic stuff. Feel free to drop a follow over there if you want to. This is my first foray into this stuff, so please be kind as I work things out. Thanks!
BIO UNDER CUT:
Name: Gesserith Edmund
Species: Human
Gender and Pronouns: Male (he/him)
Color Identity: White/Blue (primary); Black/Green (secondary)
Planes of Residence: Capenna (main), Thunder Junction (on occasion, temporary), Kamigawa (emergencies, temporary)
Plane of Origin: Capenna
Affiliations: Brokers, Sterling Company
Titles/Ranks/Positions: Chief Advisor for Extraplanar Relations of the Brokers, guest professor at Strixhaven
Allied Organizations: Azorius Senate, Dokuchi Reckoners
Companions/Associates: Kros, Perrie, Falco Spara (work partners), Haruko, Kami of Restless Shadows (bonded kami), Koda Hayashi (friend, also bonded but like he doesn't care as much), Vasro (reluctant colleague), Mocca Malone (friend), Biilzie (WHO KNOWS)
Family: Shadowstep (adopted daughter) ((roughly 11, gotcha day Aug 31)), Gouvle (adopted father), Serana (mother), Eric (father, deceased), Pudge (pet bearded dragon)
Signature Abilities: Shield magic, shield generators, contract magic, halberd skills
Likes: Nature, research, contracts, forging & metalworking, protecting others, logistics, peacekeeping, jazz, camping, negotiations, training & working out, halberds, guns
Dislikes: Anarchy, breaking contracts, unnecessary violence (unless he views it as useful to him), disrespecting the dead, desecration of corpses/souls
Bio: Gesserith is a Capennan native, entranced by the possibility of the Brokers and their contracts. In joining, he discovered he had an inclination towards shield magic, and decided to pursue it further. For some time, he traveled Omenpaths to secure contracts abroad, ensuring Brokers success back home. During many of these ventures, he also sought out organizations that could help reinforce and expand his shield magic, and brought this research back home to share and refine.
Then one day, after a particular scrap, he took a fatal wound, igniting his spark. This allowed him to travel freely, finally giving the Brokers what they needed: Someone who could arrive anywhere, at any time, and complete contracts as needed. This brought him up through the ranks much faster than before, becoming Chief Advisor for Extraplanar Relations in the family. He joined the Dokuchi Reckoners to bond with Haruko, and later left through the gift of an old Capennan god while maintaining the bond. After a series of losses, he attempted to wipe Capenna of its devil population, failing in a confrontation with his friends. He was then demoted, forced to earn his rank again.
Cards: These are only two out of many others, but they capture both pre and post-Sparking Gesserith. (I am not an artist. You get no art from me.)
Addendum of things that have happened since the beginning:
BEFORE PP
Father was very abusive during childhood. Ripple effects to modern day.
Pseudo-adopted daughter Nadine died in a Thunder Junction ambush (day he sparked)
Created Brokers shield generators (to sell for profit to others)
DURING PP
Bonded to Haruko (and subsequently Koda) to win Kylem's tournament - consequently joined the Dokuchi Reckoners
Killed a Xerexian archangel with assistance from others
Snapped after some friends were killed and went on a genocide arc
Got demoted and forced to work back up to his position
Duskmourn rescue mission to save Biilzie
Adopted Shadowstep
Made a deal with Th'ich'che to imbue his halberd with dark energy stuff and also let him leave the Dokuchi by moving the bond to the halberd.
Put under condemnation by Lazaro to atone for aforementioned genocide attempt
The long wait has finally ended! Officially licensed plushies of everyone's favorite demon have come to production with help from Ravnica's own @wickedstringcreations. Anatomical accuracy (or inaccuracy) and asbestos-free variants are, of course, available on request, as well as a wide range of sizes and thicknesses starting at a mere 90 zinos for a me of your very own. Bring my effigy into your bed. But don't just take my word for it, listen to these satisfied customers!
'Unintelligible cooing noises.' - The entirety of Cannibal Voyeurism
'What?' - Leovold of Trest
'YOU SHOULD VISIT HOME MORE.' - Lord Rakdos
‘Hilarious to have around, does instil a lot of loneliness when I y'know. Know the guy.’ - Viridian
'It's just like the real thing! It's small, squeezable, warm, and always encourages you to get out and have a little fun with that devilish smile. It's very easy to clean, which is good because I constantly end up spilling something on her and needing to throw it in the wash. It's like having your own personal devil on your shoulder, and it is worth every penny.' - S. Edmund
i'm like a caricature in a children's show. "and then Whimsy took a deep breath, made a few polite phonecalls, and everything resolved itself 🥰" fucking hell man when do i get to punch someone hard as fuck in the jaw
The splitting of wood echoed through his mind. A long time had passed since it was this quiet. No more Diana. She was dead. Vasro had seen to that. At last, his mind was his. He grabbed another log, setting it on the stump. He raised a simple ax, and with another thunderous split, the next piece of wood went.
A voice came from behind him. "Just trying to kill some time?"
"No. Preparing."
Campfire Gesserith approached, staying out of the axe yard. "Really? You aren't actually going to attempt that again, are you?"
"No. Not yet. Later, I hope."
"Every time you think that, it always happens a week or so from now."
He sighed. "I know, I know. Just... maybe this time it'll be different. Maybe I can master it."
He shook his head. "You don't need to, you know. You can just let it go. No better time than the present."
"Me? Let something go? Come on, you know us better than that." He raised the ax. Another log split.
"Fruitless hope, I guess." He moved around the ax yard. "No halberd? Just feeling like trying something new?"
"Something simple," Gesserith Prime replied. "No fancy magic. Just wood and iron. And my own two hands." He set up another log. "Back to basics."
"And how did that work out the last time?"
"I turned my life around and now live with a wonderful daughter and an organization filled with people who hate me."
Campfire Gess snickered. "How poignant. At least you went with the radical acceptance route and not the stabby murdery one. On the note of that, I assume you've taken note of the papers? What's your plan with that?"
"Vigil," he replied, followed with another splitting log. "Post myself nearby one of my work sites. Wait for the culprit. They always wait until a week after work starts. Which will be soon. Keep an eye out that night; catch them in the act. I'm the hero. Everything is saved. Everyone is happy until they remember what I did."
"And so the roundabout circles on."
"And so it does." He nails the ax in the stump. "Enough for tonight."
"So you'll be back before bed?"
"...yeah." Gesserith Prime sat by the fire, followed by Campfire Gesserith. "Why can't I just make it work like I used to?"
"Because you're not who you used to be." Campfire Gess popped open a beer bottle and handed it over. "You're a new man."
"I tell myself I am. I'm doing it right now. But I just make the same mistakes. Chasing some future that doesn't exist."
"The future doesn't exist, you idiot. That's why you're making it happen."
Gesserith Prime takes a long, slow drink. "I... I want to just sit back and let it happen. Let the world pass me by and forget. But I can't. I can never let go. I won't."
"Then why sit here and complain about it? You just looking for companionship after she left?"
"Because. Because... Because I know I'm lying." He sets down the beer. "Because I know I can and I refuse to let myself fade away like that."
A small smile came across Campfire's face. "Go on. Keep going."
"Because I won't let other people pass me by. I'm better than enough of them. I'm stronger than enough of them. I may not be the best in everything but I'm damn fine in a lot. And that's better than a lot of people can say."
Campfire Gess leaned in closer. "And...?"
"Because I know that I am needed. I'm a lynchpin. Keystone. If I go, everything else goes with it."
He drummed his fingers. "You're an idiot, Gesserith. Aside from Shadowstep, what else? They promote a replacement for you. The controversy around your name dies down. Everyone forgets about you. Story over. Why do you never want to be forgotten? Why must the fire keep burning?"
"Why doesn't it burn brighter?" The fire responded to Prime's words, slowly growing up and out. "Because there's not enough fuel. It chews through it and spits it out. And so I keep the fire small." It shrinks back down to what it was, cold seeping in. "So it doesn't burn too fast."
"So why go for the flame? You swore it off. Every time you go for it, it burns you. You keep saying that it'll be the last time. When will it ever be enough?"
"Never. You know that better than anyone else. All of you do. It's never enough. And even when it is, when my life is looking up and all's well, something happens. Someone dies. Someplace blows up. And I have to clean it up."
"No, you don't."
"I don't. But I find catharsis in it. It keeps me ready. Reminds me of how lucky I am to even breathe, let alone carry my Spark. When one falls, we continue. When. Not if. The world will go on without me. But I'm going to make my mark- another mark. A good one. They will remember me as the man who redeemed himself in the end. I'll be a story. A warning and an ideal."
The fire crackled around the two. Minutes of silence. "...you really think you can do it?"
"If I didn't, I would have already died. One way or another."
"I meant the fire. But sure, Prime."
"Oh, that?" Prime laughed. "I'll keep it there. You will, really. Stoke it and keep it happy. And if I need it, then I'll use it. No more burns. I'll pass the trial."
"I have no doubt you will." Campfire finished his beer. "You make me proud to be you."
"You're just saying that."
"I'm not the one with opinions. I'm just your base thoughts. I can't lie."
"Oh, you can. You most certainly can."
"True. But you wouldn't be fighting if you weren't in the mood to hear me anyway."
"I'll see you later, then. Wood's not going to chop itself."
Campfire laughed. "Who do you think keeps the fire ready to go? You? Nah, my job. You just show up when you need the beer and reassurance. Or some time off. You have so many you's. Maybe try checking in on them. Maybe you'll find something that'll surprise you."
"...I really am something, huh."
"You have no idea."
"Tell Irina I say hi."
"Tell her yourself. I'll see you when you're ready."
Yeah, well, it's stupid. "Oh look at me, oh I'm gonna call people on the internet worms and sign my messages with a magnifying glass, I'm so cool and everyone loves me, ahee hee" Go for a walk, Vasro.
If you were a worm I’d turn into a bigger worm and kick your worm ass.
-🔍
Oh, wait, no, hold on, I think I'm getting it. The only person here who would threaten to do something so stupid and petty to just barely one-up me like that is Vasro. And so that magnifying glass means it's Vasro.
Just sign your name. Weirdo.
And stop cephalid-ing to be an inch taller than me.
Greetings, everyone. I have decided that I should write a short series on the five Families of Capenna. So, where better to start than my own Family, the Brokers?
The Brokers are descendants of Old Capenna's paladins and protectors, who found their center in white mana with supports in green and blue. They excelled in shield magic, a trait which has carried through the centuries to the modern era. The core of our Family has always been helping others in need of our services and being where we are needed most.
Now, in New Capenna, we are primarily lawyers for those in need of our services. The legal codes of this plane are rather confusing, I must admit, but we understand them better than any other Family or civilian. If anyone ever gets hurt, or suffers a loss from an unexpected raid or heist, we will make sure we have our best on the case, provided you are able to afford their services. Our negation and litigation skills are unmatched. Simply observe the next courtroom session with one of our agents to see for yourself.
However, we do not simply handle the law in the courtroom. We also have many agents around the city, willing and able to help defend against the defenseless in their time of need. Though payment will be due, terms are to be negotiated after lives are saved. Our primary focus is, after all, the safety and well-being of the Capennan people.
Furthermore, to enforce these terms, we are also skilled in contract magic, a gift from our Family Head, Falco Spara. We are able to magically bind those who sign into ensuring their debts are repaid, or find them if they attempt to evade their dues. Our terms are fair, especially in the heat of the moment, so I would highly recommend remembering to repay us. If you are consistent enough, maybe even hire our services for other work, we may be able to provide you with particular legal counsel or other work. We repay everyone in kind. If you help us, we will help you. If you do not, you will find yourself in a much harder position than before.
The Brokers are located in many spots around the city, but primarily located at Nido Sanctuary. Formerly in Park Heights, it now resides in the heart of the Mezzio, where we can provide legal help to anyone who desires it.
My next piece will discuss the Obscura Family. Thank you for reading.
I had an aven friend a while back. "Higher, further, faster," she'd always say. She was an inspiration to me for the longest time. I've lived by that for a very long time. But now I have to figure out a way to just... not. I don't know how. But I guess I need to figure it out. Wish me luck.
"What are her standards..." he wondered aloud, the dusk hair slowly cooling around him. "The oldest, most powerful beings. The inseparable duo of her and Koda. And... me. Angels on high, I'm just... fucking awful. What the hell am I doing here?"
"We both know the answer to that question, Gessy."
He snorted. "Shut. Up. Burnwood. You're already in for it once I figure out what to do with you."
"And lose all of this?" She teased? "All of that lovely mindscape I made?"
"I don't care. You're stepping into some extremely dangerous territory, messing with the bond like that. Don't act like I didn't figure that out."
She mentally shrugged. "Oh well. What good are boundaries if you don't try to encroach on them? Like, oh, I don't know, that Jund lady? You're already washed up, you basically just held the flashlight for Lazaro. What, you stab a few devils and you think unstabbing a few people will help? Angels, you really are pathetic."
"Diana, I swear to whatever fucking gods are out there. I am going to make it painful when I rip you out." Gesserith stood up and started on a jog. "Your days are numbered."
"You know you'll miss me." She prodded further. "Who was there for you on all of those lonely nights? After funeral after funeral? Hit after hit? Shadowstep is lovely, all those memories are fun to watch, but she'll never really understand. Not like me."
"There are others."
"Others that hate you, Gessy. What, you tell them someone died, and they just move on? They don't care like I do. I still love you, you know. I'll always be here for you. Unless you remove me."
"No. You're lying to me," he denied. "There are enough people there to where I don't need you anymore. I am my own man. Finally. I am a fucking father, Diana. Eat my nuts."
She scoffed. "Woah there Edmund, starting to sound like your dad there."
"SHUT UP, DIANA!" he shouted. Others passing by gave him stranger looks than they usually did. 'He must really be losing it', they thought. He pursed his lips. "He loves me more than you ever did."
"Do."
"I do not give a flying rat's ass. I'm finding a way to remove you. Regardless of what it does to me."
She smiled. "Whatever you say, Gessy. I know how you really feel." The cephalid went silent.
"Not for long," he threatened. He took a turn homeward, back to his daughter.
Skathos was not an island defined by its flowers. Within a mile of Hythonia’s cave, everything was completely petrified due to her status as an ancient gorgon and avatar of Pharika. And beyond that mile, besides her sister’s garden, the land merely grew wild and according to its own whims and desires. Even in Gorgia, gardens were small and usually filled with vegetables and herbs rather than flowers. This was why the appearance of flowers at the entrance of Hythonia’s cave was so notable.
The ancient gorgon leaned down and scooped up the white six-petaled flowers. It was obvious that they were enchanted, preserving the scent. She didn’t recognize what kind of flower it was, but she had never paid much attention to flower types before regardless. Hythonia ran her clawed thumb across one of the petals and smiled despite herself. There was something so...romantic and simple about her courtship of the shadow kami at the moment.
The snakes crowning her head hissed and wiggled in small circles as the shadows deepened around her. But she smiled, because she knew exactly who it was. “Haruko,” she murmured, turning back on her coils to where she expected the spirit to appear.
The golden mask of the ancient kami manifested from the deepest shadows, followed by the skeletal limbs emerging from beneath her umbral cloak. She raised her hands and signed. It was a sharp gesture, a letter sign darting forward like a striking serpent. “Hythonia.”
Hythonia reached out and cupped the “cheek” of Haruko’s mask with a clawed hand. “It’s just us tonight,” she murmured. “No city, no family members, no witnesses or people to be mindful of. Shall we make the most of it?”
Haruko did not bother with another sign. Instead, the kami gently grasped Hythonia’s wrist and tilted her mask into the gorgon’s palm. Though the golden mask itself was featureless, Hythonia recognized the gesture as a mimicry of a kiss.
Hythonia chuckled and pressed her forehead to the “forehead” of Haruko’s mask. She intended to see just how much they would learn about each other. “I agree,” she whispered.
The shadows curled in to embrace her. In turn, her coils curled around skeletal limbs.
For the past few months, I've actually enjoyed life. I'm teaching a skilled pupil in how to use the halberd. I'm preparing to teach dozens how shield magic can save lives. I'm a father to a wonderful daughter and a father figure to so many more. My bonded partners are both doing well. I have a fabulous new weapon that I made myself. My meetings have gone well, our reach is further than ever, profits couldn't be higher, all of it.
I just wish I had all of these a year ago. I've hurt so many people. I'm sorry. I know it's not enough, I know I've said it a thousand times, but there are no other words. I'm still volunteering my time, I'm still helping at the shrine. I want to make right by you all. I promise, I swear, I try every day to make it worth your while to keep me alive. Good things are coming, all in due time. Capenna will shine brighter than ever before. I'll be the one polishing the floors.
For the past few months, I've actually enjoyed life. I'm teaching a skilled pupil in how to use the halberd. I'm preparing to teach dozens how shield magic can save lives. I'm a father to a wonderful daughter and a father figure to so many more. My bonded partners are both doing well. I have a fabulous new weapon that I made myself. My meetings have gone well, our reach is further than ever, profits couldn't be higher, all of it.
I just wish I had all of these a year ago. I've hurt so many people. I'm sorry. I know it's not enough, I know I've said it a thousand times, but there are no other words. I'm still volunteering my time, I'm still helping at the shrine. I want to make right by you all. I promise, I swear, I try every day to make it worth your while to keep me alive. Good things are coming, all in due time. Capenna will shine brighter than ever before. I'll be the one polishing the floors.
