AWAY FROM HALLOWED GROUND (Working Title) - WIP Intro
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Gothic Fantasy
Status: Planning & Writing First Draft; Subject to a lot of change in the future probably
CW: Blood, murder, violence, religious trauma, manipulative relationships (not between the main cast), mental health issues. Others that may be added in the future.
Themes: Forging your own identity, gods and goddesses, the idea of being special versus not being special, love as devotion, breaking or following expectations, finding yourself
Vibes: Stained catholic glass, blood on snow, cracked statues, light so bright it's blinding, silver necklaces, the glint of a knife, bruises and bite marks, abandoned churches, graveyards at night, a single light in the dark, torn and dirty white dresses, rumpled shirts
Comic Sans WIP intro
Synopsis
All his life, Theodore Agnelli has been waiting to turn eighteen. As the High Prophet of the Messengers of Zakel, he’s been waiting for the chance to prove himself as the chosen savior of the people.
Instead, on their eighteenth birthday, they make a shocking discovery that shakes what they’ve known as truth down to his core. Now on the run from the organization he once called home, Theodore, desperate to prove himself, finds himself banding together with three others who also are determined to meet the God of Death, Zakel.
As they travel across a barren, war-torn wasteland, he quickly finds himself drawn to Silas Payne--an abrasive yet passionate soul, whom he finds a kinship with. But Silas’ own obsessions are just as grand as Theodore’s, and Theodore finds himself increasingly desperate to prove himself as worthy to ascend. Will the truth be what he wants, or will Theodore--and Silas?--crash and burn?
Charming and loyal, Theodore has been waiting for the chance to become the Chosen Savior of the God of Death, Zakel, for almost a decade. However, in light of a shocking truth, he finds himself on the world's most insane cross-country road trip to find Zakel.
His new companions are keeping him busy for now, especially Silas, but it won't be long before Theodore's desperation starts to get the better of him. The question is what will happen after that.
Silas Payne - The Devoted Saint - Cisgender Man (He/Him) - 19 - Bisexual
A well-traveled but macabre man, Silas believes himself to be the chosen right hand man of the God of Death. In an attempt to gain recognition, Silas has traveled across the wastes as a serial killer, sacrificing his victims to Zakel in hopes to prove his worth while looking for the God of Death.
Although he originally teams up with Theodore for simplicity's sake, soon Silas finds himself drawn to Theodore's charm and passion, taking an intense interest in the other man. But will this interest give him everything he's asked for, or will it bring him to ruin?
The nameless survivor of a brutal attack against her home town, Paya seeks revenge on the God of Death and his followers for what happened. But their demeanor starkly contrasts the brutality of their goal, able to see the good in any given situation.
Originally, Paya doesn't care for Theodore, seeing them as having a hand in the attacks against her home and her people, and only begrudgingly tolerates their presence for the knowledge they have. But as time goes on, Paya starts to find out there may be more beneath the surface as Theodore starts to decline.
Camilla Navaroo - The Lost Ghost - Trans Woman (She/Her) - 22 - Lesbian
More than anyone else in the group, Camilla knows what rejection feels like. The illegitimate and secret daughter of the God of Death, she has spent her entire life in the shadows, waiting for recognition that hasn't come. Now, she's done waiting, and is ready to march up and demand that she not be forgotten.
The oldest one in the group, Camilla finds herself at odds with Theodore, both of them fighting for the role of leader. However, she respects Theodore's tenacity and determination, and can emphasize with the feeling of being rejected.
Characters - Antagonists
Elizabeth - The Grand Bishop - Cisgender Woman (She/Her) - 45 - Bisexual
The leader of the Messengers of Zakel, The Grand Bishop is seen as the matriarch to the town of Kathados. She is the one who declared Theodore to be the High Prophet, and has spent her entire life working in the service of Lord Zakel.
But underneath her gentle facade lies something truly wicked, and it is her actions that send Theodore spiraling down a path of doubt and desperation.
Hunter Rask - The Forgotten Heir - Trans Man (He/Him) - 19 - Straight
Due to his mastery over magic, Hunter has earned a high-ranking position as the Head Defender of the town of Kathados, protecting the town from outside threats and responsible for training the soldiers even at his young age.
However, despite bearing the Mark of the Etheri, Hunter has been passed over for ascension in favor of Theodore. But with Theodore no longer in the Grand Bishop's good graces, he hopes to finally prove his worth to her and become the Chosen One of the God of Death.
Characters - Secondary
Dante Verden - The Third Priest - Cisgender Man (He/Him) - 42 - (Repressed) Gay
Theodore's guardian and caretaker, all he's ever wanted was for them to live in a safe and peaceful environment. Although he knows the truth behind the Messengers of Zakel, even Dante couldn't have predicted the plans that the Grand Bishop had in store. All he can do is do whatever it takes to keep Theodore safe.
