big money got no soul

Merrick Archwood || Psychic, Businessman || Affiliated with Faerune HQ

[marchwoodesq]

(TOM HIDDLESTON, 39, HE/HIM) Have you seen MERRICK ARCHWOOD around Faerune? They’re a PSYCHIC who IS NEUTRAL ABOUT the Unseelie Queen’s reign. People have heard they’re CUNNING, DETERMINED, INTELLIGENT but can also be SPITEFUL, MANIPULATIVE, RUTHLESS. We’ll see where they fall when the revolution arrives, but until then they can be found working as a BUSINESSMAN / OWNER OF BLUEBELL RESTAURANT.

STATS:

Name: Merrick Archwood

Face Claim: Tom Hiddleston

Age: 39

Species: Psychic

Occupation: Businessman / Owner of the Bluebell Restaurant

Height: 6'2"

Hair: Blonde

Eyes: Green

Sexuality: Asexual

Drinks / Smokes / Drugs: Yes, No, No

BIO:

tw: pregnancy

Merrick was born into one of the most esteemed families of witches in Faerune. However, his father was not another pureblood witch. Rather he was a vampire, who charmed Merrick's mother, the youngest daughter of the family, into running away with him. Their romance was sadly ill-fated, and she eventually returned to her family, alone and pregnant. Her parents did allow her to keep and raise the child, but they were resolved that the half-vampire offspring would never truly be part of their family.

Thus Merrick was raised as a second-class citizen in his own home, and he resented his family because of it. When he was old enough, he decided to leave Faerune, enrolling in a prestigious college in the human world. He excelled in all his studies, and after graduating, went into the world of business, determined to make his mark on the human world the way he knew he never could in the world of magic. 

He succeeded spectacularly. From modest beginnings, Merrick's empire grew to encompass all areas of commerce, and he became a wealthy and powerful man. Of course, this was due not only to his business acumen, but also his talent as a psychic. Though he might bear a grudge towards his vampire father, he does not regret having gained the combined talents of his parents. By employing subtle mental suggestions on his competitors and underlings, Merrick has conquered the business world without much opposition. 

Yet despite amassing such control in the human world, he still was not entirely pleased. So at last, he decided to return to his home of Faerune. Not with the intent to gain as much control as he has in the human world, for that would not be possible among those with more power than him. But of course Merrick will not sit by idly either, so he immediately made a point to purchase the classiest restaurant in the city. If he cannot best those of the magical realm, he will at least make money off of them. 

He is mildly interested in the political comings and goings occurring in Faerune, but he does not care enough to really try to get involved. As long as the Unseelie Queen does not interfere in his business, he has no need to get involved in hers.

[marchwoodesq]

@stressball​ -- for Emmett

Merrick was certainly not in the habit of frequenting anything other than luxury boutiques to purchase his clothes. But, sadly, being trapped inside Faerune meant that he could no longer go out to stores in the human world. So out of necessity, he had to patronize the shops in the city. Entering the Stitch in Thyme boutique, he was only one step shy of wrinkling his nose, but he kept his expression neutral enough as he approached Emmett. 

"Is there any chance the selection here has improved since last time?" he inquired, "Or is that a forlorn hope?"

[marchwoodesq]

likewanderingstars​:

[continued from here x] @marchwoodesq​

Briana fought the desire to roll her eyes. “I was hardly out on the street baring my fangs.” She told him as she approached. “I was a fair way into an alleyway. You’d have to be looking if you wanted to find me.” Who did this half blood think he was speaking to. “As for where I can and can’t hunt. These are my hunting grounds as they’re in a general vicinity of my home and the land I own. You don’t get to decide where I can go. And if you’re the owner of the blue bell as I suspect you are. I think you’ll find we’re over 100 feet from your establishment.”

//

"As if that excuses any such behavior." He certainly had not been looking, and yet he had been presented with a spectacle all the same, so clearly she was not trying hard enough to hide her disgusting feeding. Merrick loathed how these creatures felt entitled for feed where and when they wished. Another reason he was at odds with his hometown. "So you can just indulge your vile habits anywhere? Last I heard, I believe there are some restrictions about that. As well there should be. And while you may be over a hundred feet away now, I am giving you a warning that if you should ever choose to come closer, I will not be so forgiving."

[marchwoodesq]

orchestralcollage​:

Thalia had been afraid that the events at the New Year’s party was going to deter people from wanting to hold any sort of celebrations, and had been hoping that it hadn’t ruined her reputation as an event planner. Especially when she hadn’t really been able to make one for herself yet. Luckily, that didn’t seem to be the case as she’d recently been hired for a wedding. Things were going fairly smoothly and the couple had mentioned wanting to see about getting the reception food done by one of the local restaurants. 

This was where Thalia found herself currently, waiting at the front area of Bluebell, waiting for one, Merrick Archwood to meet with her. He was just one of the many stops on her list for the day.

@marchwoodesq​ 

//

Compared to running other aspects of his business empire, running a restaurant was at times less demanding and at others equally demanding. This had been one of the latter times; Merrick had been decidedly busy speaking with various suppliers and some of the employees, and to top everything off, he needed to meet with some potential customers too. The one he was scheduled to meet with now, Thalia Byrne, was apparently looking into having the Bluebell cater a wedding reception. While Merrick's own feelings on weddings were not the highest, catering one was certainly a way to build up goodwill for the restaurant, and he was always keen to expand its name recognition.

"Ah, Thalia Byrne, is it?" he said as he came out to the front of the restaurant, "I believe you wished to discuss potentially catering a wedding reception?"

[marchwoodesq]

likewanderingstars​:

Briana licked the fresh wound clean of blood before pulling back and touching the face of her most recent meal. “Go home. Call in sick from work tomorrow. You’ll need to rest.” She purred, the compulsion pushing forward. As her meal left she wiped the blood from the corners of her mouth. There was someone new nearby but she didn’t care much about what they might have seen. Righting herself she turned in their direction. “Usually I don’t have spectators. Can I help?” @faerunestarters​

//

Most beings were not high on Merrick's list of wanting to interact with them, considering he liked to interact very little with anyone. But vampires were particularly low, due to his resentment of his father. He had been making his way back from the Bluebell when he caught the end of the woman's feeding. He scowled, not because he cared about the person from whom she had fed, but because he wished he did not have to witness such barbarity in public. "An unwitting spectator, believe me. I have no desire to observe your parasitic habits, thank you very much. And the only way you can help me is to promise that you will never do any such thing closer than a hundred feet from my restaurant. I would hate for any patrons to be offended in such a way."

[marchwoodesq]

xelijahatkins​:

@faerunestarters​

Where: Maple Diner.

Elijah had been taking a minute away from work, ever since the New Year Party, it had been non-stop. Now, don’t get him wrong, he loves being busy but this morning he had found a grey hair poking its way through his usual dirty blonde mop, awful. 

So here he was, taking the day off without the weight of the investigation on his shoulders but he realised, what the heck do people do on their days off? He still had the coven to handle, true but everything else? Glancing around, he noticed someone sitting at the table behind his and shot the person a while. “This is gonna sound weird, but if take a day off work, what do you do?”

//

So this was what the diner was like. Merrick was decidedly unimpressed, but people did go there, so there had to be something good about it. Yet he was halfway through a very mediocre sandwich and he still could find nothing remarkable about the place or the food. Surely people went there due to the prices being lower, but if they were not willing to spend money on quality food, that was their loss.

He was still ruminating on this when he noticed the man at the table beside his seemed to be trying to get his attention. His question made Merrick blink in confusion at him first, then he gave a short, sarcastic laugh. "A day off work? What a concept. I'm sorry to say but I think you have asked the wrong person. I do not take days off work." His business was his life, after all. Without it--though he did not like to dwell on this--Merrick had nothing.

[marchwoodesq]

ofcoretanima​:

𓆹

percy’s minding his business when he hears a voice speaking, glancing up at merrick with a blank stare for a moment — his mug up to his lips as he takes a small sip of his coffee, dressed in his scrubs and looking rather tired —  having just gotten off work.

“…i think the decor is rather lovely,” he murmurs, his cheeks burning a bit. “i find it rather… homely, i suppose?” he shrugs, placing his mug down — looking at it for a moment, his head tilting to the side.

“there’s… nothing special about the coffee. not really, anyway. coffee is coffee, honestly. i just like it here.” he hums, looking at merrick for a moment. “then again, i prefer eating at the diner instead of the bluebell… but that’s just me.”

//

Yes, homely would be the word for the décor, which explained why Merrick was turning up his nose at it. "Well, if you like to feel as though you are in someone's kitchen, then I suppose it suits its purpose. I however endeavor to make guests feel that they are somewhere special." Sadly, it seemed he was not getting the explanation he would have wished for. If the coffee was not what brought people there, what did? "But why do you like it here? I am looking for a more specific explanation." 

He preferred the diner to the Bluebell? Merrick's attempt at a neutral façade fell decidedly at that. Clearly he had chosen the wrong person to ask. "Ah, I see. I can only assume that is because the diner is cheaper, which is one suggestion for improvement that I will never take. Unless it is the food at the diner which you prefer, which is another suggestion I shall not be considering."

[likewanderingstars]

marchwoodesq​:

//

He had meant a werewolf, but Merrick supposed lesser social standing could work as well. No, he did not know the man, but years of manipulating his way through the business world had taught him to see who was worth the time and who was not. This one would have been a “not.” He was surprisingly loquacious, but that was hardly enough to win Merrick over. “I meant a werewolf, yes. I am not familiar with the customs of your kind, so forgive me for not being able to recognize when one of you has a higher status than another. I suppose I should be impressed that you are able to move in society at all.”

Yes, that had been the exact point. Just as da Vinci was more than simply a painter, Merrick’s business empire went well beyond one small restaurant. “Why yes, you understood my meaning. How nice.” This was much of the reason why he had been hesitant to return to his hometown. Out in the human world, Merrick’s name commanded respect. Here, he was seen as just another business owner. “Normally I don’t have to explain myself and my dealings to people, because most people outside this infernal realm know who I am. And if I was looking for an ally, you would certainly know, so rest assured that you are not among the choices.”

-

Lucas rolled his eyes. “And here I thought people had grown out of that my species is better than yours bullshit. Which is laughable considering you’re a hybrid.” Why was it people always spouted shit about werewolves, like they were nothing more than pets. “You’re not Di Vinci. In fact what I’m getting from this whole interaction is you’re some popular kid out in the mortal world but your reputation out there means fuck all in Faerune. So you’re bitter and angry because no one is giving you the attention your ego needs to survive.” 

He set his glass down. “Most people outside of Faerune might know you but they don’t here so no one cares. You’re just as important as I am if not less so.” Lucas shrugged a little. “Now if you’ll excuse me. Me and my lowly status have a meeting with a council member so…” He looked him up and down one more time before pulling an apparent face of distaste and walking away from the other.

[marchwoodesq]

mytarnishedsilver​:

“Are you saying my drinks aren’t high quality?” Beau asked with a faint grin. “I assure you, even though my business is a bar, I don’t skimp out on my brands. The top shelf stuff is top tier.” His grin widened at his joke, though he got the feeling this guy wasn’t big into humor.

//

Bars, in Merrick's experience, varied wildly in their drink selection, so he did not think it an unreasonable question at all. "Well, I have not tried any, have I? So how am I supposed to know?" If the vampire actually had some top shelf liquor, then he would not mind entering into an agreement. But only if his associate was being serious, which he did not seem to be at the moment. "Ah, how clever," he remarked dryly, "I do hope any potential agreement will not be treated so frivolously."

[marchwoodesq]

likewanderingstars​:

“One of my sort?” Lucas slipped his hands into his pockets. “And what exactly do you mean by that? Werewolf? Or do you think I’m of some lesser social standing than you? I’ve given you no real reason for you to assume I belong here less than you. Your reluctance to vocalise your reasons works against you. You say that you shouldn’t have to explain yourself because it shows my ignorance but in reality all it does is show you have no reasons at all or at least no reasons you can justify and argue for.”

Lucas stepped up to the man. “And you’re right. Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t simply a painter. He was a sculptor, an inventor, a genius. He’s also internationally and interdimentionally known. Are you trying to say you’re on his level? You’re puffing up like some kind of bird flashing your feathers for attention but it’s not working. You’re on the same level as I am and antagonising other business owners in Faerune isn’t the way to go. Do you actually have any allies or is this what you do with everyone who approaches you?”

//

He had meant a werewolf, but Merrick supposed lesser social standing could work as well. No, he did not know the man, but years of manipulating his way through the business world had taught him to see who was worth the time and who was not. This one would have been a "not." He was surprisingly loquacious, but that was hardly enough to win Merrick over. "I meant a werewolf, yes. I am not familiar with the customs of your kind, so forgive me for not being able to recognize when one of you has a higher status than another. I suppose I should be impressed that you are able to move in society at all."

Yes, that had been the exact point. Just as da Vinci was more than simply a painter, Merrick's business empire went well beyond one small restaurant. "Why yes, you understood my meaning. How nice." This was much of the reason why he had been hesitant to return to his hometown. Out in the human world, Merrick's name commanded respect. Here, he was seen as just another business owner. "Normally I don't have to explain myself and my dealings to people, because most people outside this infernal realm know who I am. And if I was looking for an ally, you would certainly know, so rest assured that you are not among the choices."

[marchwoodesq]

korra-de-flores​:

It was nearing the closing time which meant that it was getting busier and rowdier at the bar. Korra was pouring a pint to a costumer who was shouting too loud into the ear of a person right next to them when she hear Merrick talking to her. “No I haven’t” she said loudly so that he’d be able to hear her through the people’s chatter. Making quick work of pouring the drink and giving it to the customer the faerie turned her stony face to the psychic, “No one’s handed one in,” Korra said wiping her hands into her jeans and giving Merrick a quick lookover, “Don’t you have a spell for that?” the fae narrowed her eyes, she could sense his magic.

//

The noisiness of the bar did not help Merrick's attitude any, and he frowned at the chatter going on around them. He frowned even more when she said she had not seen the phone. Blast. "Are you absolutely sure?" he inquired, but he knew that was most likely a forlorn hope. Not because he thought she was misinformed, but because he could only assume some miscreant had already made off with his phone. A spell for finding his phone? Was she serious? He raised an eyebrow. "While that would be quite useful, no. I do not have those sort of powers. Mine only extend to influencing the mind. In other words, I would need to find the offender who has my phone first in order to persuade them to give it back."

[marchwoodesq]

likewanderingstars​:

“Well considering that you don’t know who I am I would say we’re both equally as ignorant, don’t you think?” He suggested, eyeing the man. “Why exactly would I be refused admittance? I’m dressed correctly which is more than I can say for some of the people in attendance who’s interpretation of black tie formal is a little loose. I’m a business owner, just like you, with a family lineage that goes back to the first wolves that settled in the feywilds. I have a large, council recognised, pack that participates in charity work and the care of underprivileged citizens.” He sipped on his drink. “So all that in mind, what exactly am I missing when considering a council seat? You said I’m disinterested in what someone of importance must really do but you haven’t mentioned anything on the topic so my disinterest could hardly be expressed unless it’s just your assumption based on what… My inability to recognise you as something other than a restaurant owner?”

//

Merrick knew people of true importance, so since he did not know this man, he could not be very important. "Why no, I don't. Unless you count the fact that I am ignorant of just why you think I care." He may have been dressed correctly, but there was a difference between simply wearing nice garments and belonging in them. Merrick's own family line on his mother's side went back centuries, despite his not entirely being considered part of it, so if the werewolf thought to impress him, he was mistaken. "Well, I suppose they do need one of your sort on the council, and any one of you is just as good as another." There was a good deal which went along with crafting a impression of importance but then again, he had gleaned most of that experience outside of Faerune. Sighing, he said, "If I have to explain any of that to you, that in and of itself shows your ignorance. Yes, I am a restaurant owner, but saying that is akin to saying that Leonardo da Vinci was simply a painter."

[marchwoodesq]

orchestralcollage​:

Marcus turned back as it seemed Merrick was able to spot a server faster than he was. The server came over handing a glass of wine to Merrick and one to Marcus as well. “I’ve always wondered how you can tell if a wine is a good one or not.” he said looking over his glass, before taking a sip. “Do you have any pointers?” 

//

While Merrick was pleased to have the fresh glass, he was not exactly keen on giving pointers for how to be a wine connoisseur. "It takes talent, first and foremost," he remarked, taking a sip of his own wine, "But I suppose it can also be achieved with practice. Take note of the smell and the taste, and certainly do not gulp down the wine." He paused, sighed a bit, then added, "Of course a very simple way to tell if a wine is exceptional is how expensive it is. No one wants to pay an exorbitant amount for a sub-par wine."

[marchwoodesq]

mytarnishedsilver​:

“Hey, I’ve got a question for you,” Beau said to the other vampire. “Your restaurant has some pretty good food … I’m looking to expand my bar’s menu, put some actual entrees on there. You got some good shit I can use? I’d pay you for the collab, of course. Maybe you can put some of my drinks on your menu.”

(( @marchwoodesq​ ))

//

The fact that a vampire had come to him to propose a collaboration already did not sit well with Merrick; his animosity towards his own father left him with little desire to see any more of those of his ilk. But he had made plenty of deals over the years with people whom he had little affinity for, and he would never pass up the opportunity to potentially expand his influence in town. Still, his lip curled a little at having his restaurant's food referred to as "good shit." "I have plenty of high-quality items which would be offered, yes," he said, a little testily, "And I would only be interested in offering drinks which are of equally high quality, if you happen to have any such things."

[marchwoodesq]

likewanderingstars​:

“Am I suppose to know who you are?” Lucas took a sip of his drink. “Funny that we’ve never run into each other at one of these before.” Clearly this guy thought he was something special but other than owning a restaurant who was he really. “I’ve attended this party every year since I was fifteen. I’m the Alpha of one of the biggest packs in Faerune and a front runner for a council seat. I’m not trying to get close to whatever light you’re talking about. I don’t give a shit about that. I do however have just as much right to be here.”

//

The fact that this man did not know who Merrick was only proved how far from his league he was. "Most people do, yes, but considering your ignorance, I suppose that is only to be expected that you don't." The idea of this clueless one being invited to multiple such parties was what was truly funny. "That was probably because when the staff took a good look at you, you were denied admittance." He raised an eyebrow to know the fool had actually been there before. Clearly he was just easy to miss. "I am surprised to hear you aspire to that height and yet seem so disinterested about what someone of importance must really do. If they truly consider you for that council seat, that will be sad indeed."

[marchwoodesq]

orchestralcollage​:

“Of course. I’d hate for that server to get in trouble, and you seem very expensive and put together I didn’t want your suit to get ruined.” Marcus said, taking a glance over at the wine glass in his hand “I didn’t make you lose any of that,  did I? I can get you another. There has to be another glass somewhere near here” he started to look around to see if he could spot any servers with them.

//

The server certainly would have been in trouble if he had done any damage to Merrick's suit. He would have been fired as soon as possible. But, since there was no harm done, other than a brief irritation, he supposed he would let it slide. "Very astute of you," he remarked, even if he himself would have considered keeping his suit clean more important. Fortunately he had not spilled the wine either. But, if he was offering to get him another... "Yes, there must be." Merrick too glanced around, and finally spotted one. "You there! Another glass of wine over here!"

[marchwoodesq]

likewanderingstars​:

These sorts of events were good for connecting with other business owners and as the leader of one of the biggest packs in Faerune it was also a good opportunity to build a reputation among the community. He recognised the business owner stood near the refreshments and almost didn’t speak to him but it was almost a new year and while the guy might have been as ass when they first met he could make the effort now. “Do you come to this every year?” @marchwoodesq​

//

Yes, Merrick needed to make an appearance at the party, but that did not mean he had to enjoy it. He was enjoying the refreshments, and the thought of celebrating what successes would await him in the new year. But the crowd around him was hardly enjoyable, especially when people he would prefer not to see again chose to approach him. He certainly remembered this one, and Merrick afforded him a slightly raised eyebrow in response. "Sadly yes. One must make an appearance at such functions if they hope to stay in the limelight. In your case however, I assume you are trying to just get close to said light in the first place." As if he was any sort of person of importance.