The porch creaked under River’s boots as he stepped outside, letting the screen door slam shut behind him without care for the noise. It was late—moon hanging low over the tree line, the kind of quiet that only came when the rest of the pack had gone to bed or shifted for the night run.
He hadn’t joined them. Not tonight.
Instead, he leaned against the worn railing, arms crossed, eyes scanning the dark tree line like it might answer questions he hadn’t spoken aloud. Things had been off since the Merge. Landmarks misplaced. Time fractured. Familiar faces older, younger, or missing altogether. And him—still 23, still restless, still trying to figure out what it meant to belong when even the world didn’t seem to know what year it was.
He rolled a toothpick between his fingers before tucking it between his lips—more out of habit than anything. The ache in his ribs had faded from last week's fight, but the weight in his chest hadn’t. Not fully.
Footsteps behind him. Or maybe from the trees.
River didn’t turn his head. Not yet.
“Long way out for someone without a reason,” he said casually, voice low and even. “You lost, or just trying to pretend you’re not?”
His tone wasn’t hostile. Not exactly. But it was measured—like a fuse that hadn't decided whether it wanted to burn or fizzle.
He waited. Not moving. Not blinking. Just watching the dark.
Open Starter - @darkskiesrpgstarters
Location: A half-finished warded building on the edge of the French Quarter
Time: July 6th, just before dusk
Who: Elias Calder, standing in the dust of something meant to last
The sigil wouldn’t hold.
Elias stared at the half-formed rune scrawled in white ash across the foundation stone, fingers still tingling with residual magic. It had fractured—just slightly—but enough to mean the difference between safety and collapse. The kind of thing no one else would notice until it was too late.
He exhaled through his nose, slow and sharp, like the release of pressure from a system wound too tight.
Above him, the sky was bruised with fading stormlight. The air still carried the heaviness of tension not yet spent, like the Merge had left behind more than just tangled timelines and ruined boundaries. It had left cracks in everything.
Even people.
He wiped his palm across his slacks—smearing chalk, not caring—and muttered something under his breath. The spell pulsed once, golden, then stilled. Not perfect. But stable.
For now.
“I build homes so they won’t have to sleep with a knife under their pillow,” he said to no one in particular, voice low and even. “Would be nice if the magic stopped fighting me back.”
A beat of silence. Then:
“If you're here to criticize, bring coffee. If you're here to help…” His gaze slid toward the entrance. A flicker of acknowledgment, dry but not unkind. “Grab the chalk. The wards need rewriting before nightfall.”
Nicknames: Eli (family and close friends), Landry (fellow rangers and pack members), Bear (teasingly by Charlotte), Ranger
Species: Crescent Werewolf
Pack: Crescent Pack
Age: 26 at the time of his death • Physically 47 following the resurrection
Timeline: Present (Resurrected)
Birthday: October 14
Occupation: Former Louisiana Park Ranger & Game Warden
Face Claim: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
APPEARANCE
Height: 6'2"
Build: Broad-shouldered and powerfully built from years of physical labor, hiking, rescue operations, and life in the bayou. Strong without appearing imposing.
Hair: Sandy brown with hints of gold that have darkened with age, usually a little unruly and often in need of a trim.
Eyes: Blue-gray, soft and warm until something threatens the people he loves.
Skin: Lightly tanned from years spent outdoors.
Scars:
A jagged scar along his left shoulder from a boating accident during a storm rescue.
Faint claw marks across his ribs from an altercation with another wolf in his youth.
A small scar above his eyebrow from falling out of a tree as a teenager.
Several old cuts and nicks on his hands from years of working outdoors.
Style: Flannel shirts, henleys, worn denim, sturdy boots, old leather jackets, and the occasional ranger uniform. Usually smells faintly of pine, river water, campfire smoke, and cedar.
PERSONALITY
Elias is the kind of man who makes people feel safe simply by being present.
He speaks gently.
Moves deliberately.
Listens more than he talks.
There is a steadiness about him that puts people at ease, like the feeling of coming home after a long journey.
He has never sought attention or recognition. He believes that the most important things in life are often the quietest—sharing coffee on the porch, watching the sunrise over the bayou, and spending time with the people he loves.
He is patient beyond reason.
Compassionate to a fault.
The sort of man who will stop his truck to help a stranger change a tire or spend hours searching for a lost child without a second thought.
Beneath that kindness lies a quiet, unwavering strength.
The wilderness does not bend for weak men.
Neither does grief.
When someone he loves is threatened, the warmth disappears.
His expression hardens.
His voice lowers.
And everyone remembers that even the gentlest creatures have teeth.
POSITIVE TRAITS
Loyal
Compassionate
Patient
Protective
Reliable
Selfless
Courageous
Calm under pressure
Gentle
Hardworking
Trustworthy
Emotionally intelligent
NEGATIVE TRAITS
Stubborn
Overprotective
Self-sacrificing to a fault
Carries guilt for things beyond his control
Struggles to ask for help
Suppresses his own pain
Can be overly cautious
Holds grudges against those who hurt his loved ones
Tends to shoulder burdens alone
Finds it difficult to put himself first
Sometimes avoids talking about his own feelings
LIKES
Early mornings in the bayou
Campfires
Fresh coffee
Rainstorms
Fishing
Dogs
Stargazing
Long drives with the windows down
Homemade gumbo
Being out on the water
Old country music
Working with his hands
Family dinners
Sunrises
Watching birds and wildlife
DISLIKES
Needless cruelty
Poachers
Hunters who kill for sport
Dishonesty
Seeing children suffer
Abandonment
Arrogance
Needless violence
Pollution and environmental destruction
Feeling powerless
Broken promises
Watching people carry pain alone
HOBBIES
Fishing
Woodworking
Restoring old boats
Hiking
Teaching children about wildlife
Cooking
Playing guitar poorly but enthusiastically
Sketching maps of the bayou
Camping
Reading nature guides
Repairing things that don't necessarily need fixing
Collecting old photographs
ABILITIES
As a Crescent Werewolf:
Enhanced strength
Enhanced speed and agility
Heightened senses
Accelerated healing
Superior tracking abilities
Enhanced endurance
Transformation into a wolf
Strong instincts and intuition
Exceptional navigation skills
Skills Learned as a Park Ranger & Game Warden:
Search and rescue operations
Wilderness survival
Emergency first aid
Expert tracker
Skilled fisherman and boater
Extensive knowledge of local wildlife and plants
Excellent marksman
Water rescue training
HISTORY
Elias was born and raised in the Crescent Pack and spent much of his childhood exploring the bayou with his father and grandfather.
He learned early that the land provided for those who respected it.
By the time he was a teenager, he could navigate the swamps blindfolded, identify dozens of birds by their calls, and track animals through miles of wilderness.
He met Charlotte Kenner when they were young and fell in love quickly.
Their relationship was easy in a way that mattered.
She challenged him.
He grounded her.
When Charlotte became pregnant with Jesse, Elias wasn't afraid.
If anything, he was thrilled.
He threw himself into preparing for fatherhood, working tirelessly and dreaming of the future they would build together.
Jesse became the center of his world.
Then, when his son was only two years old, tragedy struck.
A group of hunters targeted members of the Crescent Pack.
Charlotte and Jesse became trapped in the chaos.
Elias got them out.
He put his son into Charlotte's arms and stayed behind to ensure they escaped.
He died protecting:
Charlotte.
Jesse.
Several members of the Crescent Pack.
For years, the Crescents remembered him as a hero.
Charlotte remembered him as her first love.
Jesse knew him only through stories.
Until the resurrection brought him back.
Now Elias must face a world that continued without him and a son who has lived an entire lifetime in his absence.
RELATIONSHIPS
Charlotte Kenner
The love of his life and the woman he never stopped loving.
Their relationship is complicated by time and grief, but there has never been bitterness between them.
Only love, loss, and the question of what comes next.
Jesse Kenner
His son.
The little boy he died protecting is now a grown man.
Elias desperately wants to know him but struggles with the fear that he no longer has the right to call himself his father.
The Crescent Pack
Many older pack members knew him before his death and consider his return nothing short of a miracle.
Younger members grew up hearing stories about him and are stunned to discover that the legend is real.
MISCELLANEOUS
Makes an incredible seafood gumbo.
Carries an old photograph of Charlotte and toddler Jesse in his wallet.
Can identify nearly every bird native to Louisiana by sound alone.
Has a habit of whittling pieces of wood when he's thinking.
Gives the kind of hugs that make people feel safe.
Keeps every handwritten note he's ever been given.
Has never met a stray dog he didn't try to adopt.
Drinks his coffee black.
Falls asleep in rocking chairs more often than he'd admit.
Cannot resist helping someone in need.
Believes there is no place more beautiful than the bayou at sunrise.
Still instinctively looks for Charlotte in a crowded room.
Thinks Jesse has his mother's stubbornness and his own heart.
Nicknames: Luca (most people), Lu (family only), Sunshine (teasingly by friends), The Gardener of Spring, The Songbird of the Court
Species: High Fae
Court: Spring Court
Age: 327 (appears 28)
Timeline: Past
Birthday: April 21
Occupation: Keeper of the Royal Gardens of the Spring Court • Court Musician & Composer
Face Claim: Antonio Cipriano
APPEARANCE
Height: 6'1"
Build: Lean and athletic, broad-shouldered from years of working in the gardens and riding through the countryside.
Hair: Dark brown, usually slightly tousled, often falling across his forehead when he's been working.
Eyes: Warm hazel with flecks of gold that brighten when he uses his magic.
Skin: Sun-kissed olive complexion.
Scars:
A thin scar along his right palm from pruning a thorned magical rose as a child.
Several faint scars across his forearms from years of working with enchanted flora and climbing ancient trees.
A small crescent-shaped scar beneath his jaw from being thrown from a horse in his youth.
Style: Earth-toned sweaters and linen shirts with sleeves rolled to his forearms, fitted trousers, worn leather boots, simple gold jewelry, and the occasional flower tucked into his pocket. Usually smells faintly of cedar, rain, and wildflowers.
PERSONALITY
Luca possesses the rare ability to make almost anyone feel at ease.
He smiles easily.
Speaks softly.
Listens more than he talks.
There is a warmth about him that feels like stepping into sunlight after a long winter.
Unlike many nobles, Luca has never cared for power or prestige. He believes beauty is found in simple things—freshly turned soil, music drifting through an open window, and sharing a meal with the people he loves.
He is endlessly patient.
Compassionate to a fault.
The kind of person who remembers everyone's favorite flower and never forgets a birthday.
Despite his gentle nature, there is a quiet strength beneath it all.
The gardens of the Spring Court do not flourish under weak hands.
Neither do the people who depend on him.
Luca can be stubborn when he believes something is right, and when someone he loves is threatened, the softness disappears.
The smile fades.
His voice lowers.
And suddenly everyone remembers that spring is not merely a season of flowers.
It is also the season of storms.
POSITIVE TRAITS
Loyal
Compassionate
Patient
Charismatic
Protective
Gentle
Emotionally intelligent
Diplomatic
Reliable
Creative
Selfless
Courageous
NEGATIVE TRAITS
Stubborn
Overprotective
Self-sacrificing to a fault
Avoids asking for help
Holds onto guilt
Can be passive-aggressive when upset
Takes responsibility for problems that aren't his
Tends to suppress his own feelings
Dislikes conflict so much that he sometimes avoids difficult conversations
Ruthless toward anyone who harms his loved ones
LIKES
Early mornings in the gardens
Rainstorms
Fresh bread
Honeyed tea
Acoustic music
Horses
Wildflowers
Reading beneath old trees
Spring festivals
Stargazing
Fresh herbs
Long walks through the forest
Family dinners
Open windows and warm breezes
DISLIKES
Needless cruelty
Seeing nature destroyed
Dishonesty
Political manipulation
Being underestimated
Needless violence
Winter lasting too long
Wastefulness
Broken promises
Arrogance
People who harm animals
Seeing others suffer in silence
HOBBIES
Playing guitar
Playing piano and violin
Writing songs and composing music
Pressing flowers in books
Sketching plants and landscapes
Horseback riding
Baking bread and pastries
Making flower crowns for children during festivals
Keeping botanical journals
Exploring hidden meadows and forest paths
ABILITIES
As a Spring Court High Fae:
Manipulation of plants and vines
Accelerated growth of flowers, herbs, and trees
Restoration of damaged land
Enhanced senses
Heightened speed and strength
Affinity with animals, particularly woodland creatures
Healing through natural magic and herbs
Longevity
Glamour magic
Ability to sense imbalances within the lands of the Spring Court
HISTORY
Luca was born into House Everheart, an old and respected noble family of the Spring Court whose lineage has long been tied to the care of the court's sacred gardens.
Unlike many noble children, he showed little interest in politics or titles.
Instead, he could usually be found with dirt on his hands, following gardeners through the greenhouses or wandering the forests in search of rare flowers.
His magic bloomed early.
Flowers opened when he laughed.
Vines curled around his fingers when he was upset.
By the time he was fifty, the royal gardeners had already begun calling him the child blessed by spring itself.
As he grew older, Luca studied botany, healing, and music alongside his traditional education.
Though expected to pursue a more prestigious role within the court, he instead accepted the mantle of Keeper of the Royal Gardens, believing there was no greater honor than preserving the heart of the Spring Court itself.
Over the centuries, he transformed the royal gardens into something legendary, cultivating rare magical flowers and restoring ancient groves long thought lost to time.
His music became equally beloved.
Songs he composed for festivals and celebrations spread throughout Prythian, earning him the affectionate title of the Songbird of the Court.
Though his life appears peaceful, Luca carries the quiet understanding that even spring must endure harsh winters.
And if the people he loves are threatened, he would protect them with every flower, every thorn, and every storm his magic can summon.
RELATIONSHIPS
Parents
Luca adores his parents and inherited his love of nature and music from them. He remains deeply devoted to his family despite spending much of his time in the royal gardens.
Younger Sister – Rosalie Everheart
His closest confidante and favorite person to tease. She is one of the few people who can read his moods immediately.
The Children of the Court
Children gravitate toward Luca naturally. He teaches them songs, helps them plant flowers, and somehow always has sweets hidden in his pockets.
The Royal Family
Luca is deeply respected by the royal family and has served several generations through his stewardship of the gardens.
MISCELLANEOUS
Speaks English, French, and Old Fae.
Keeps pressed flowers from every important moment of his life.
Has perfect pitch.
Knows the language of flowers and often uses bouquets to communicate feelings.
Always carries a small notebook filled with melodies and botanical sketches.
Has a habit of humming while working.
Can identify hundreds of plants by scent alone.
Gives incredibly comforting hugs.
Has never once won an argument against a child and doesn't mind.
Stray animals somehow always find him.
Keeps a guitar in nearly every greenhouse.
Rarely loses his temper, but when he does, the entire garden seems to react with him—flowers close, vines twist, and the air grows heavy with magic.
Believes every flower tells a story and every season deserves a song. 🌿🌼🎶
Faceclaim: Sophie Turner
Full Name: Evangeline Aurora de Martel
Nicknames: Eva, Angel (Aurora only)
Age: 27
Birthday: April 14th
Species: Human
Timeline: Future
Occupation: Art Conservator & Owner of Maison de Martel, an art restoration studio and gallery in New Orleans.
Basics
Gender: Female
Pronouns: She/Her
Sexuality: Bisexual
Nationality: French
Languages: English, French, Italian, and Latin.
Residence: A beautifully restored French Quarter townhouse overflowing with books, antique paintings, and fresh flowers.
Family
Mother: Aurora de Martel
Father: Open for plotting.
Extended Family:
Tristan de Martel (maternal uncle, deceased)
Grew up hearing stories about the Mikaelsons and the complicated history between their families.
Appearance
Height: 5'9"
Hair: Auburn-red.
Eyes: Blue-grey.
Build: Slender and graceful.
Distinguishing Features: A small scar on her left knee from falling out of a tree as a child and an antique gold locket gifted by Aurora.
Personality
Positive Traits
Compassionate
Intelligent
Diplomatic
Curious
Loyal
Patient
Observant
Negative Traits
Stubborn
Overthinks everything
Guarded
Perfectionistic
Holds grudges
Struggles asking for help
Evangeline inherited her mother's fierce loyalty and capacity for love but lacks Aurora's impulsiveness. She's thoughtful, measured, and often acts as the calm in the middle of chaos.
Likes
Museums and art galleries
Classical music
Fresh flowers
Antique bookstores
Rainy afternoons
French pastries
Historical architecture
Candlelight
Traveling
Dislikes
Violence
Being treated as fragile
Dishonesty
Loud arguments
Feeling powerless
People underestimating her because she's human
Hobbies
Painting
Restoring artwork
Gardening
Playing piano
Reading historical journals
Collecting antique jewelry
Skills
Art restoration and preservation
Multilingual
Exceptional memory
Knowledge of European history and mythology
Skilled equestrian
Surprisingly good with a rapier thanks to Aurora insisting she learn self-defense
Fears
Losing her mother to immortality one day.
Being left behind as everyone around her remains unchanged.
Becoming insignificant in a supernatural world.
Discovering she isn't as ordinary as she thinks.
History
Evangeline was born after Aurora finally found peace with herself and chose to build a life instead of merely surviving one.
For centuries, Aurora believed motherhood would never be possible for her. When Evangeline was born, she became the center of Aurora's universe.
Evangeline grew up in France, surrounded by art, history, and stories of ancient vampires, witches, and impossible loves. She always knew the supernatural existed, but unlike her mother, she remained entirely human.
Being raised by an immortal mother shaped her in strange ways. She learned to value fleeting moments, to treasure change, and to appreciate the beauty of things that don't last forever.
Eventually, she moved to New Orleans to open her own gallery and forge an identity separate from the de Martel name.
Yet despite living among legends, Evangeline remains wonderfully, frustratingly human.
Character Hooks
Ancient vampires are often startled that Aurora's daughter is human.
Protective instincts from supernatural friends can annoy her because she hates being coddled.
She knows more supernatural history than most beings who actually lived it.
She could become the emotional heart of a friend group filled with immortals.
Quietly wonders what will happen when she grows old and her mother does not.
Nicknames: Iggy (family and close friends only), Tío Iggy (his nieces and nephews), The Black Flame, The King's Shadow
Species: Dragon
Dragon Type: Black Scorpiontail Dragon
Age: 1,037
Timeline: Past
Birthday: November 8
Occupation: General of the Royal Dragon Guard • Royal Advisor to the Queen
Face Claim: Adam Rodriguez
APPEARANCE
Height: 6'3" (human form)
Build: Broad-shouldered, powerful, athletic without appearing bulky.
Hair: Dark brown, almost black, kept short with the occasional silver strand beginning to appear.
Eyes: Rich amber that glow molten gold when emotional or using dragon magic.
Skin: Warm olive complexion.
Scars:
Large burn scar wrapping around his left shoulder from the Dragon Civil War.
Several claw scars across his ribs.
Bite mark along his forearm from protecting his younger brother centuries ago.
Style: Tailored black shirts, dark jeans or slacks, leather jackets, heavy boots, expensive watches, silver rings. Always carries himself like royalty even when dressed casually.
PERSONALITY
Ignacio possesses the rare ability to be both incredibly comforting and absolutely terrifying.
He speaks softly.
Moves slowly.
Rarely raises his voice.
He never needs to.
There is a calm confidence about him that makes people instinctively listen whenever he begins talking.
Unlike many dragons his age, Ignacio doesn't crave authority for its own sake. He believes leadership is service before privilege. His loyalty has always belonged to House Mondragón before any individual ruler.
He's intensely protective of family.
If someone threatens one Mondragón...
They threaten them all.
He inherited the tactical brilliance common among the royal bloodline but lacks their occasional impulsiveness. Ignacio thinks ten moves ahead before anyone else realizes they're playing a game.
Despite his intimidating reputation, children adore him.
He remembers birthdays.
Makes wooden toys by hand.
Lets dragon hatchlings climb all over him.
Always has candy hidden in his coat.
He's patient.
Gentle.
Funny in an incredibly dry way.
Then someone hurts someone he loves.
The warmth disappears.
The smile vanishes.
And the dragon everyone whispers stories about walks into the room.
POSITIVE TRAITS
Loyal beyond reason
Calm under pressure
Protective
Patient
Diplomatic
Intelligent
Emotionally mature
Self-sacrificing
Charismatic
Observant
Reliable
Courageous
NEGATIVE TRAITS
Holds grudges for centuries
Secretive
Overprotective
Doesn't trust easily
Carries guilt that isn't his
Can become ruthless when family is threatened
Has difficulty asking for help
Tends to shoulder everyone's burdens himself
Sometimes manipulative for what he believes is the greater good
LIKES
Black coffee
Flying during thunderstorms
Sword training
Horses
Chess
Handmade cigars
Family dinners
Music played on vinyl
Quiet mornings
Leather-bound books
Bourbon
Stargazing
DISLIKES
Cowardice
Needless cruelty
Political games
Broken promises
Hunters
Triad
People disrespecting dragons
Loud arrogance
Wastefulness
Betrayal
HOBBIES
Carving wooden dragon figurines
Restoring antique weapons
Cooking for family gatherings
Training young dragons
Falconry
Reading military history
Playing guitar surprisingly well
ABILITIES
As a Black Scorpiontail Dragon:
Flight
Enhanced strength
Nearly impenetrable scales
Venomous scorpion tail
Black dragonfire capable of melting enchanted steel
Exceptional night vision
Heightened senses
Ancient dragon magic
Longevity
Accelerated healing
Partial resistance to magical attacks
HISTORY
Ignacio was born into House Mondragón during one of the dynasty's strongest eras.
As the second-born prince, he never expected to wear the crown.
Instead, he dedicated himself to becoming the shield that protected whoever did.
Centuries passed with Ignacio serving successive monarchs—his father, then his elder brother, and later the next generation of rulers. He became known across dragon territories as one of the greatest military minds in living memory, winning conflicts through strategy rather than overwhelming force whenever possible.
Everything changed during the devastating attack that shattered the royal family.
His younger brother and sister-in-law were killed, along with much of the older generation, leaving the surviving heirs far younger than anyone had anticipated. Ignacio became one of the pillars holding the family together in the aftermath, refusing every suggestion that he should claim power for himself.
When the laws of succession named Reina the eldest surviving female of the royal bloodline—and therefore Queen—Ignacio was the first to kneel before her.
Not because tradition demanded it.
Because he believed she had earned it.
Since then, he has remained her fiercest supporter, trusted advisor, and, when necessary, the voice willing to tell her "no" when everyone else is too intimidated to try.
To Javier and Sebastian, he has always been more father than uncle. He trained them, protected them, celebrated their victories, and quietly carried their losses as though they were his own.
Across dragon society, Ignacio's reputation borders on mythical. Diplomats praise his restraint. Soldiers admire his leadership. Enemies fear what happens when the calm dragon finally loses his patience.
Very few have ever witnessed that version of him.
Even fewer survived it.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reina Mondragón (Niece)
His queen before anything else, but also the little girl he once taught to fly. He respects her authority completely, yet never forgets she's family. He is one of the only dragons alive who can challenge her decisions without offending her.
Javier Mondragón (Nephew)
Their relationship is built on mutual teasing and unwavering trust. Ignacio often acts as the mediator whenever Javier's impulsiveness gets ahead of him.
Sebastian Mondragón (Nephew)
Sebastian inherited much of Ignacio's quiet confidence. Of the three siblings, Sebastian probably understands Ignacio the best without words needing to be spoken.
MISCELLANEOUS
Speaks English, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Draconic, French, Italian, and Greek.
Keeps every letter his late brother ever wrote him.
Always wears the Mondragón signet ring.
His dragon is among the largest Black Scorpiontails still living.
Can identify nearly every dragon by scent alone.
Is an exceptional cook, and every family gathering somehow ends with him behind the grill.
Gives the best hugs in the family, though he'd deny that with a completely straight face.
Almost never says "I told you so." He simply gives one amused look that somehow feels worse.
His laugh is surprisingly warm and infectious, but only his family hears it often.
Occupation: Owner and lead bartender of an upscale underground club called Velvet Hour
Pack Affiliation: Independent Crescent ally
Location: New Orleans
Personality
Declan has the kind of charisma that feels dangerous mostly because it’s effortless.
He’s magnetic without trying to be, flirtatious without being sleazy, and always seems half a second away from either starting a fight or making someone laugh hard enough to forget they were angry.
Most people meet the version of him that’s easy:
quick grin
smart mouth
shameless teasing
hand brushing the small of your back while he passes by
His friends know better.
Declan notices everything. Mood shifts. Lies. Fear. The exact second someone decides they don’t feel safe anymore.
And the moment that happens, he changes completely.
Still calm. Still smiling sometimes.
Just suddenly dangerous.
Appearance
dark curls usually pushed back messily
tattoos creeping over one shoulder and down his forearm
silver rings and chain necklaces
perpetually rolled sleeves
smells like cedarwood, whiskey, and expensive cologne
He looks more at home under neon lights than sunlight.
And honestly? He probably is.
Backstory
Declan grew up around the edges of New Orleans nightlife — musicians, bartenders, wolves running security for places humans thought were just trendy clubs.
By sixteen, he already knew how to spot supernatural trouble before it started.
By twenty-one, he owned Velvet Hour after the former owner disappeared under circumstances nobody talks about openly.
The club became neutral ground fast:
witches trade information there
vampires broker deals there
wolves use the back rooms for unofficial meetings
Declan enforces one rule above everything else:
Nobody starts violence inside his walls.
And somehow, people listen.
Mostly because the few who didn’t were never invited back.
Abilities
Werewolf Traits
heightened strength/senses/healing
exceptional reflexes
strong emotional intuition
unusually good control over aggression
Specialty
Declan is extremely skilled at reading body language and emotional tension — to the point it almost feels supernatural even for a wolf.
In fights, it makes him terrifyingly fast.
In relationships, it makes it nearly impossible to lie to him successfully.
Weaknesses
avoids talking about his own feelings unless cornered
protective to a reckless degree
sleeps very little
tends to shoulder everyone else’s problems quietly
has a habit of staying in unhealthy situations if it means keeping other people safe
Reputation
In supernatural circles, Declan Reyes is known as:
the wolf who keeps the peace downtown
the bartender who somehow hears everything first
the guy you call when situations get messy and discretion matters
People underestimate him constantly because he acts relaxed.
They usually regret it.
Relationship Energy
playful banter that turns intense without warning
touches people casually but remembers every reaction
“you’re staying here tonight because you’re exhausted”
standing too close on purpose
fiercely loyal once attached
acts fearless while quietly terrified of losing people
Story Hooks
Someone is using Velvet Hour to move cursed artifacts through the city.
Declan’s missing older brother suddenly reappears after being presumed dead for years.
A vampire faction wants control of the club’s neutral-ground status.
Declan accidentally becomes the protector of someone tied to an ancient prophecy.
They do not function like partners in a formal sense.
They function like survival memory.
If Riley moves, Damien recalibrates.
If Damien disappears, Riley knows where to start looking first.
✦ Occupation (Present Timeline)
Underground Musician
Damien performs in small, often unlicensed venues across New Mystic Orleans Falls and surrounding sectors.
His music exists outside of politics, factions, or organized networks. He does not use it as a tool for messaging, coordination, or survival systems — it is simply what he does to stay anchored in a world that never fully stopped feeling unstable.
His work includes:
intimate club performances
stripped-down acoustic sets in backrooms and basement stages
occasional traveling gigs that blur into rumor more than schedule
His sound is raw, emotional, and atmospheric — often carrying a sense of nostalgia for places that don’t exist anymore.
He writes about:
memory
loss
identity
the quiet weight of living through too many endings
Some people try to read meaning into his lyrics beyond the music itself. Damien never confirms or denies anything. He just plays the next song.
✦ Relationships
Riley Lockwood
Primary bond. Found-family level connection.
mutual trust built in collapse conditions
shared survival history from future timeline
emotional communication mostly indirect (jokes, silence, timing)
Riley is the only person Damien consistently reappears for
Supernatural Community (General)
Damien exists around systems, not within them.
vampires see him as “too human-thinking”
witches see him as “useful but unpredictable”
hunters see him as “high-value but non-cooperative”
civilians rarely realize what he is until he’s already gone
✦ Aesthetic & Themes
neon-lit streets with power outages
abandoned venues still playing music after shows end
cigarette smoke and broken amplifiers
quiet laughter in unsafe places
maps drawn and redrawn until memory replaces paper
survival that looks like confidence from a distance
✦ Keepsakes
battered cassette tapes from pre-collapse eras
Riley’s old communication tag (never returned)
handwritten lyric sheets that double as coded logs
a broken guitar pick he refuses to replace
an old burner phone that still turns on sometimes, against logic
✦ Core Truth
Damien Elias Mercer does not belong to systems.
He survives them.
“I don’t pick sides.
I pick who I don’t want to lose.”
