Elvira Ravenwood
April 20 | 5'6"
PersonalityOften finding herself engulfed in knowledge books, manuals, and practicums often offer, Elvira spends the majority of her time alone or working along with others who challenge and engage the academia side of her. Quick to offer her thoughts and comments on the matter, the woman often forgets that not everyone is tough skinned enough to take either her bluntness or highly sarcastic remarks when she differs. While not naive enough to think she knows all the answers herself, Elvira - at times - feels like others are far behind her ability wise, which sometimes brokers the mental image of them being inferior when conversing with her. This feeling further perpetuates her desire to learn things herself and innovate on her own.
For all her faults, Elvira has a big heart for those she considers her own. Relationships with her exist on three different tiers: family, familiars, and fools. Those who she considers family, she'll happily give them the time of day, go easier on her rudeness, and aid them as best as she can. In a sense, she acts like a big sister. Giving her siblings hell but loving them regardless. Familiars are teeter in between family and fools. She's polite to a degree though she won't go out of her way for them. Her patience with people who reside in this category - outside of those of higher status than her - is barely tolerable. Conversing with people in this group can sometimes seem a laborious effort from an outsiders point of view; however, Elvira just has better things to do. Fools? They need no mentioning. They're all but invisible to her except for the rarest of occasions.
As much as a bookworm that she is, Elvira implements applicable knowledge to her combat abilities. Fusing physical conditioning and knowledge together, it's this symbiosis of two starkly different things that make her a rather known student at the academy. Be it using her weapon or implementing machinations on how to co-exist with her spirits, Elvira has created an efficient deliver system of carnage that many have tried to replicate but fail. Why? Not because that's she's better, stronger, or whatever silly excuses others come up with. She just took the time to learn, practice, and mold information to suit her style. Again, another downside for her is her sense of superiority and over-confidence at times.
AppearanceGiven a medium sized build and lean, Elvira gives off that cutesy geeky look that belies her abilities outside the realm of academia. Other than when she's in combat, she - for the majority of the time - wears glasses that pronounce her intense amethyst colored eyes. Her lush, golden-brown hair is often worn down or tied into a messy or neat bun. Continuing on with her typical facade, Elvira wears over-sized pullovers with complementing shorts or fitting pants. She wears a necklace that remains as the only memorabilia of her family.
RingtoneGet It By Your Own HandsBackgroundElvira came into Oakbridge with a fractured past. When she stepped through the academy doors, she immediately launched herself into academia, war games, and honing her gun dance vocation that her father taught her when she was young. Over time, complementing what she learned from others and from research papers, Elvira implemented different physics, theories, and various other mechanisms to make her martial discipline much more deadly than the traditional art. Whatever the case, she’s reluctant to share these theories. While they certainly enhance her combat style, they’ve made her spirits harder to control. This requires further discipline lest she lose control of her spirits again. She tries everything within her power to avoid a second accident, which cost her dearly.
Though she keeps the more complex theories to herself, Elvira has made a name for herself as an innovator and one of the brightest minds in Oakridge. Working with the military development department in the Academy, Elvira has submitted many new concepts concerning utilizing basic weapons as spirit casting deliveries. Giving her high distinction amongst the students, instructors, and even military weaponry developers, certain privileges with regards to personal liberties and fabrication abilities has been granted to her. Her theories have also been applied to the military on weapon efficiency.
Even with her brilliance, the road on how she got to where she was modest. Growing up in Helston, Elvira was always a lover of books. Where others went out and played, she was nose deep in fantastical lore or manuals that added to her vast repertoire of knowledge. While she certainly was opposed to more ‘normal’ events that others saw as fun, her father began to teach her the fundamentals of gun dance - the dance that turned dual-wielding firearms into art rather than simply a means of war. Typically opposed to such things, Elvira found beauty and solace within the art. Becoming physically strong and dexterous due to the movements that the dance required, Elvira’s body and attitude masks her true passion. Knowledge.
As she grew older, she came befriend Samuel and a cohort of others who'd soon make up the core of those she considers family. However, Samuel was different. Where most of the other children made fun of her odd choice in pastime, he engaged with her. Spoke about concepts she thought only she knew about. Most of all, he showed her that it was okay to be different. Not loving him like all the other girls, she loved him as a brother. Someone who mentored her, guided her. When the village was attacked, however, Elvira spiraled into despair for a prolonged period of time. It was Samuel's that would set the stage for her greatest tragedy.
Months had passed since Samuel's death. Back to normal - as normal as she could muster - her father urged her back into gun dance while she threw herself vigorously into her books. The one solace she had in this world. However, where she was to exhume peace, she felt nothing but anger. As she lost herself in the despair of Samuel's death, so did she discover the spirits within.
Losing her mindfulness, Elvira thought it only her mind emulating the scorching heat of flames. Not feeling any pain - only heat - it only took her milliseconds before she realized her home was set ablaze. Startled, Elvira sought to flee the flame, yet it followed her as it grew more virulent as seconds passed. As her panic increased, so did the flame's dreadful touch. When her parents tried to save her thinking it all a normal fire, Elvira spiraled deeper into a feeling of desolation as the flames consumed them, as if it were a living predator consuming its prey. What happened next, Elvira knew not as she gave in to her anguished fatigue.
When she awoke, all that greeted the girl we're ruins of her home. Several villagers came to her aid - some hating her, some pitying her. Wanting nothing to do with anyone or anything, Elvira desired solitude. However the relief it brought was temporary. She needed someone as she prayed for a way to forgive what she'd done and mercy from those that'd see her as nothing more than a killer. Scout was that person. Helping her alleviate the pain she felt, that day onward marked the creation of relationship that Elvira knew she could never break. Even if the other was a stark contrast to herself.
The accident didn't go on without consequence. Whispers of the deed turned to news that warranted the Inquisition to pay a visit to Helston. Being found guilty of the murder of her parents, Elvira accepted it in silence. Her silence intrigued the Inquisitor as the inquiry was voiced. She couldn't control her spirits, didn't even know she had them. Elvira wasn't stupid. She knew Inquisitors of the Sanctum were astute to even the slightest inclination of lies. The slighest inclination to tainted spirits and even to the stigma. Thus, she told the truth. From her perspective anyway.
Unsure of what the Inquisitor was to render, Elvira was surprised when heard his verdict. She was to be monitored at all times while the charges would be dropped. If another incident unfolded again, the mercy granted onto her wouldn't be repeated for a second time. When the Inquisitor asked for a volunteer, Elvira wasn't expecting much at all. She'd killed her parents - unintentionally so but no one saw it as that. What she didn't expect was Olivia coming forward. When her friend volunteered for a position that'd be heavily scrutinized by the Inquisition, she knew then that she'd forever be indebted to Olivia.
Time passed as old wounds began to weave together. While scars remained, Elvira was in a far better place than she'd be if it weren't for her friends. Scout and Olivia in particular. Revering Olivia as her mother of sorts, a unique bond has formed between them that has carried on into Oakbridge Academy. With Scout, their relationship was the most peculiar yet unique of them all. Scout was someone that was irreplacable in her life. Almost as close to Samuel. Whatever the case, she'd always be there for her and Olivia. For any of her friends.
Without them, she'd been lost forever.
MemoriesElvira has three categories that she separates people into. Those who are in her 'family' category are her friends from Helston. Though she might give them a hard time here and there, she'll do everything she can to help them, if needed.
Olivia CelestineElvira's relationship with Olivia is unique. While being one of her greatest of friends, Olivia has also become the mother figure in Elvira's life. While the contract Olivia signed with the regional Inquisitor was mostly for formalities sake, Olivia has been instrumental in keeping Elvira's spirits in check as well as shaping her into a somewhat 'normal' member of society. As such, Elvira trusts Olivia unequivocally though her sarcasm is not off limits to the woman.
Scout Being the first person to find her after the incident, Elvira found solace in the woman. A bond in betwixt a wonderful friend and a significant other. While Elvira hardly reveals these feelings overtly to Scout, it's within her comments and things that she does that reveals it. Constantly exchanging ideas with Scout on their weaponry, talking about casual typical things, or even getting dragged off to be 'social', this relationship is one Elvira prizes dearly.
Kade SicarioA very similar disposition to Olivia, though Elvira doesn't exhume the same feels, Kade's enthusiasm and charismatic behavior is addicting. Though Elvira doesn't ever 'compliment' said disposition, she never expresses anything negative about it. Secretly, Elvira listens to the sing stars music. Respecting that her friend also sings for funerals and for those who weren't as fortunate as those who attended the academy, Elvira will defend Kade's reputation to those outside of her circle of Helston friends.
Due to Kade competing with Olivia at times - given her ties to Olivia - Elvira tends to side with Olivia, if she's present during a argument between them. It's not out of malice that she does this. It's due to her affiliation with Ms. Celestine.
Rui Liú Given the high intellect Rui possess, Elvira is more than happy to express ever complex theory, hypothesis, or research study for Rui to counter and debate with her. Intelligence is something Elvira prizes, and talking to Rui stimulates her academia side - something not many can do.
Though not buddy-buddy, Elvira trusts Rui due to her intellectual competency and her ability to say things as is. Only hearing rumors of Rui's 'darker side', Elvira just chalks that up to the typical girl's thing. Everyone does it, right? Right...
Alabaster “Al” ZabekThough Elvira may sometimes give him hell for being quiet and sometimes views his silence as unfavorable, she's come to respect Al's opinions that he gives when she asks him a question. While not too keen on joining the introversion train, Elvira tries to provoke conversation through somewhat sarcastic comments. As with all those she considers family, her manner of sarcasm is highly different than the sarcasm she uses with familiar and fools.
Aaron "Stonewall" NylesAaron is the biggest man she's ever seen - speaking purely with respect to his build and height. Even when they were kids, he was huge. What started out as intimidation turned towards feeling secure. While he may not look it, Aaron's the biggest 'teddy bear' Elvira has ever met. While she would normally dismiss him due to his party-like behavior, what really captivates her is his personality and his affinity for strategem and intelligence.
Aaron's another study buddy she often confers with - especially in war strategem and philosophy.
Eric WormwoodIf Elvira was a man, Eric would be the perfect representation of what she would be like. Both enjoying intellectual pursuits, enjoying the company of enlightened for the most part, and sociable, it's uncanny how similar they are. The single biggest difference is that Eric is reserved for the most part where as Elvira will most certainly let someone know quite bluntly when she's displeased with their company or not. Her condescending sarcasm to those who aren't her friends knows no bounds.
WeaponLogos and Pathos (Collectively known as Ethos)
Two pistols designed by Elvira, it was under special circumstances that the Academy fabricated the schematics sent by the cadet. The firearms have two modes. The first mode essentially treats the firearms as normal, conventional weapons. Giving up clip capacity for range and stopping power, Ethos allows Elvira to deliver precision death with low recoil. A product of her numerous days buried underneath research papers and conversing with gun smiths.
Ethos's second mode is one of Elvira's proudest accomplishments. The second mode allows Pathos and Logos to act as a mechanism that allows Elvira to direct and use her abilities efficiently, accurately, and quickly. While she's able to utilize the powers of her spirits like any other guardian, her weapons allows for quicker access to them. While aiding in casting, this mechanism still utilizes the same amount of karma as if she were conjuring without them. The only difference is in delivery of the spell. To put it simply for guardians who lack the comprehension to understand, her pistols deliver rounds of death while acting as dual wands for magic.
SpiritsInfernamosEffects: Fire; Light; DeProtect; DeShell; Blind; Silence; Slow; Meltdown; Imperil
Infernamos wields flames that puts the majority of the other fire spirits to shame. A greater flame spirit, it's power not only decimates its foes with a terrible area of effect, but the price it takes on its guardian makes it a double edged sword. Demanding payment outside of karma, it depends to feed upon the energy of its wielder. While Elvira can recover from the draining, it's a painful process. When used close to near exhaustion, Infernamos cares not for her condition. In exchange for its power, it'll take its fill. If heavily harmed, even the spirits of revival fail to hold the greater flame spirit at bay. This is a spirit Elvira seldom uses. Only when things become dire will she use this spirit.
EffereEffects: Fire; DeProtect
Like its guardian, Effere burns everything indiscriminately. Engulfing its target in flames, the hell hot flames simmers the flesh of its victim, which leaves its target vulnerable. Receptive to Elvira's anger and annoyance, the spirit remains barely constrained due to the discipline Elvira has over it. In the past, this spirit of hers has been the cause of many terrible incidences. The relationship between guardian and spirit was mistrust turned to mutualism.
ProgetorEffects: Protect; Shell
This spirit acts as its guardian - or other guardians its caster commands it so - absolute defense against physical and magic attacks.
VelomosEffects: Haste
Facilitating rapid karma regeneration, Velomos is a key spirit Elvira utilizes to increase her casting abilities, which plays a huge role in her aggressive fighting style.
DecimanosEffects: Blind; Silence; DeProtect; DeShell
A vengeful spirit, Decimanos is a dominating spirit that enjoys seeing its targets squirm by inflicting terrible afflictions on said target. Though doing negligible damage itself, it works in concert with other spirits to remind its victim that even the strongest can succumb to defeat.
TriviaWhile not open about it whatsoever, Elvira's inclination towards females is very much present if one looks into the small telltale signs. Though working hard at preserving her innovative and knowledge hungering passions, she hardly has enough time to pursue any time of relationship past her 'family' tier. To her, it simply takes too much effort, and she requires someone as tactful as her. If a potential does come up that can tickle the academic side of her and offer intellectual stimulating conversations, that might be able to turn her head in that person's direction.
Not apparent at first, Elvira is a gun nut. Has been since her father taught her the art of dual wielding. While many see it as a simple vocation, Elvira vehemently disagrees. Any fool could pick up two weapons, fire, and have a chance of hitting and missing. Gun dance - a term used by true artisans of dual-gun wielding - makes something simple looking transform into an elegant barrage of death.
Elvira has a teddy bear that has been with her since she was a kid. Anyone who messes with Mr. Nar Nar will receive a very unpleasant elbow to the face.
Elvira doesn't personally own a TV or gaming system. While she has a communicator and a personal terminal, she instead finds joy in books and other works that others deem boring and stupid.
Elvira loves classical music as opposed to the electronic garbage she hears in the popular scene today. While she may make exceptions, the classical instruments are her refuge.
