[table][row][/row][row][cell][h2][b]"Lily"[color=2e2c2c].[/color]Santos[/b][/h2][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/difMan3.jpeg[/img]

[b]32 | Carmen Brianna Santos-Romano |  She/Her[/b][hr][i]"This is my life, Papi; nothing can change the past, so that nothing can change me."[/i][/center][/cell][cell]
[b]Description:[/b]
[indent]Carmen Santos-Romano (Better described as Lily), the eldest of three sisters, has always carried the weight of her family's expectations. Raised in the bustling streets of New York City, her life was marked by responsibility from an early age. Her parents worked tirelessly (her father was a dedicated NYPD officer and her mother a nurse) to provide for their family. Although they offered love and support, Lily often felt more like a second parent than a sibling, taking care of her younger sisters, Yara and Clarita, while trying to navigate her teenage years. This sense of duty shaped her philosophy that everything happens for a reason; she believed the struggles in her life were stepping stones laid out by a higher power, preparing her for future challenges. 

Despite her creative spirit and passion for art, which served as her emotional outlet, Lily fell victim to the pressures of adulthood. After her father's infidelity led to her parents' divorce, she struggled to find her footing while dealing with the emotional fallout. College, once a beacon of hope, turned into a battlefield of stress, leading her down a dark path marked by a shopping addiction and irresponsible decisions, including opening credit cards in her sister's name. When her sisters pressed charges against her under pressure from their new stepfather, Lily found herself in prison for identity theft. It was during her time at Rikers Island's female unit, Rosies, that she was forced to confront the consequences of her choices and the deep-seated pain she had been avoiding. Surrounded by harsh reality and fellow inmates' struggles, Lily realized that her past decisions had impacted her life and fractured her relationships with those she loved. 

After two years, Lily emerged determined to rebuild her life. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, distancing herself from her mother and stepfather for a fresh start. There, she found solace in tattoo artistry, channeling her creativity into a new career. Yet, her healing journey was interrupted when she fell in love with Rafael Cruz. Initially enamored, she soon faced the brutal reality of his controlling and abusive nature, forcing her to flee, and she lived with a friend. After fleeing Rafael's abusive grasp, his relentless obsession turned her new life into a waking nightmare as he began stalking her.

Then, one evening, Rafael broke into her new home. Faced with the man who had once promised her love but became her nightmare, the confrontation escalated violently, and as Lily fought for her life, she unexpectedly awakened a powerful Abstraction known as Paranormal-Battery. In a desperate moment during the violent conflict with Rafael, she accidentally Overcharged him. The overwhelming energy triggered a catastrophic explosion that devastated her neighborhood, killing him in the process. 

She had no clue what had happened; the PRA swarmed her neighborhood in their investigation, and panic gripped Lily's heart. Days later, feeling the pressure closing in, Lily's life turned for the worse when she unintentionally Overcharged a friend during a moment of vulnerability. The energy burst erupted in a blinding flash, causing chaos in a nearby park and drawing even more attention from the PRA. Desperate to keep those she cared about safe, she isolated herself, fearing her abilities would hurt someone else.

As time passed, Lily had a few more close calls, and each overcharging incident made it clear that she was no longer just a survivor; she had become a target. With her life spiraling out of control and no one to turn to, Lily decided to go on the run. After escaping the chaos of San Antonio, Lily spent months on the run, moving from town to town and state to state. The relentless pursuit of the PRA and factions seeking her abstraction loomed over her like a shadow, forcing her to adopt new identities and live in constant paranoia. 

Eventually, Lily arrived in St. Portwell, Oregon, just after Faith's call to action following the devastating attack on the 317 by the Elite and Sentinel Solutions. Eager to embrace a new beginning, Lily joined the 317, pouring her energy into tattoo artistry while learning to control her Abstraction. Lily is a full-blooded Puerto Rican woman who speaks with a thick Bronx accent and has a little bit of baby fat that clings to her belly.[/indent]

[b]Abstraction:[/B]
Afflicted - [i]Paranormal-Battery.[/i]
[indent]Lily’s Abstraction is a unique curse that allows her to enhance the Abstractions of anyone she touches with her bare skin. This ability draws on a deep well of magical energy that flows through her, making her a conduit for amplification. When she contacts another Paranormal-Being, her power boosts their Abstractions, allowing them to access greater strength and control than they ordinarily could.

However, this power operates on a balance. Like a vessel containing only a certain amount, those she enhances can quickly be overwhelmed. When someone absorbs too much of Lily’s energy, they risk reaching a critical threshold, leading to what is known as an [i]"Overcharge"[/i]. In this state, individuals become akin to volatile bombs, filled with raw magical energy they can no longer contain. The consequences of this explosive release are devastating and capable of wreaking havoc on a large scale.

The destructive potential of overcharging poses a constant threat to Lily and those around her. While she can enhance abilities, the risk that her touch could push someone past their limits keeps her on edge.[/indent]
[/cell][/row][row][cell][h2][b]Jasmine[color=2e2c2c].[/color]Tsega[/b][/h2][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/IBImvJz.jpeg[/img]

[b]29 | Nyala "Jasmine" Tsega |  She/Her[/b][hr][i]"I told myself I wouldn't let another like Sophie best me... and look around you."[/i][/center][/cell][cell]
[b]Description:[/b]
[indent]Born Nyala in Germany to accomplished architects, her childhood was gilded with opportunity yet marked by an insatiable need to prove herself. This drive became even more pronounced during high school when she discovered her passion for soccer. Although she was once the star player, everything changed with the arrival of Sophie Müller, whose natural talent and charm eclipsed Jasmine’s achievements. The fierce competition ignited Jasmine's ambition, yet beneath her rivalry lay a complicated admiration for Sophie that she struggled to acknowledge.

Jasmine’s philosophy centers on the belief that greatness requires unyielding dedication and hard work. This belief, however, spiraled into an obsession that overshadowed her mental health. As she pushed herself to the brink, she wrestled with her emotions, particularly regarding Sophie, whom she secretly admired yet could not fully comprehend her feelings. The tipping point came when her desperation to reclaim her former glory during a crucial championship match led to a moment of recklessness: tripping Sophie just as she was about to score the winning goal. The fallout from this frustration resulted in Jasmine’s removal from the team and a tarnished reputation, forcing her to flee to St. Portwell, Oregon, where she reinvented herself.

In the vibrant culture of America, Jasmine embraced her new identity, choosing the name Jasmine as a nod to her fresh start. Determined to channel her competitive spirit into a new realm, she immersed herself in fitness, aiming to become a fitness influencer. Her journey was not without struggle as Jasmine battled the lingering shadows of Sophie Müller, the specter of a rival who symbolized the heights she yearned to reach but feared she could never attain.

Jasmine was shaken to her core after a harrowing encounter with an Apparition during a late-night jog in St. Portwell. With its haunting resemblance to Sophie, the spectral figure emerged from the shadows and attacked her. In that chilling moment, she realized that this apparition was not just [b]any[/b] spirit; it was created from her unresolved feelings toward her long-time rival. This encounter shattered her perception of reality, thrusting her into the supernatural world. Determined to make sense of the mystical experience, Jasmine delved into research, exploring the intricacies of magic and the hidden communities surrounding it.

Her search led her to a hidden market where she crossed paths with "certain individuals" specializing in trading rare magical artifacts (and "other" goods). There, she discovered a sealed Apparition called "The Sun God." Intrigued by its potential, Jasmine made the purchase, excited at the new avenues this spirit opened. After Sentinel Solutions (backed by the Elite) launched a surprise attack on the 317 building, Jasmine felt a surge of adrenaline. She spontaneously stepped forward in the chaos, offering to join the faction during Faith’s call to action. She currently acts as security/a footsoldier. Jasmine is a German-Ethiopian woman with a muscular build due to being a fitness influencer and her abstraction, though she has a pear-shaped build. She speaks with a [b][i]heavy[/i][/b] German accent.[/indent]

[b]Abstraction:[/B]
Agent - [i]The Power of The Sun.[/i]
[indent]Jasmine wields a stone disk from her belt containing the Apparition known as The Sun God, granting her incredible solar-based abilities that make her a formidable adversary. She can absorb solar energy through her skin, storing it for later use, which serves two primary functions. First, she can substitute solar energy for sustenance, providing her with all the power she needs without eating. She consumes food only for pleasure and must still drink water. This ability significantly enhances her endurance, allowing her to stave off fatigue until lactic acid buildup sets in.

Maximum Solar Absorption refers to the peak level of solar energy Jasmine can store within her body. In this state, her body temperature can soar to around 550°F, making her touch intensely hot. While she is not immune to heat, her increased resistance allows her to withstand extreme temperatures without harm. At this maximum capacity, she can access her abilities at their most potent, unlocking unparalleled strength and regenerative capabilities.

Jasmine’s regenerative factor is equally remarkable. By continuously absorbing sunlight, she can heal rapidly from injuries. In her maximum state, she can recover from severe injuries, like broken bones, in a matter of minutes, while extensive flesh damage can heal in seconds as long as she remains in sunlight.

Jasmine’s strength is where her true power lies. She can infuse her muscles with solar energy, greatly enhancing her physical capabilities. Once activated, her muscles swell, transforming her physique into that of a bodybuilder, allowing her to tap into her enhanced strength. Without activation, she possesses double her baseline strength, quickly lifting over 300 pounds. When fully empowered, she can lift upwards of 5,000 pounds, making her a force to be reckoned with. Her body is reinforced to handle this immense strength, ensuring she doesn’t injure herself while exerting such power.[/indent]
[/cell][/row][row][cell][h2][b]Lucia[color=2e2c2c].[/color]Scott[/b][/h2][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/o5hdzTP.jpg[/img]

[b]33 | Lucia Danielle Scott |  She/Her[/b][hr][i]"I want the stars because nothing’s ever good enough for the likes of me."[/i][/center][/cell][cell]
[b]Description:[/b]
[indent]Lucia Scott was born into the Inner Circle as the daughter of two devoted members; her childhood was a paradoxical blend of privilege and fear. Her parents' fervent disciples of Sunshine Jones exposed her to the horrific realities of their ambition: human experimentation, ruthless power plays, and a hunger for [i]more.[/i]  When the Accordance dismantled the organization, her parents decided to flee to Shimmer, believing they could escape the consequences of their past. However, it was in the aftermath of their flight that Lucia’s actual struggles began as she became separated from the only life she had known.

Desperate to prepare her for a harsh world and ensure she could defend herself if the Accordance came after them, her parents devised a controversial plan: forcing Lucia to undergo a Kindling Event. They sought the assistance of a remaining member of the Inner Circle, a skilled Pink-Lux Adept who specialized in emotional manipulation. This member, driven by a twisted loyalty to the cult's legacy, agreed to help them in exchange for a promise of protection.

On the night of the ritual, the atmosphere was thick with tension and apprehension as Lucia was led into a hidden chamber dimly lit by flickering candles. She had heard whispers of the Blood-Art Technique but was too young to grasp its true implications. As the ritual commenced, her parents urged her to embrace the emotions that the Pink-Lux invoked. The magic warped her feelings into a volatile cocktail of fear, anger, and desperation. As the manipulated emotions surged within her, Lucia felt herself spiraling out of control. Just as the emotional storm reached its peak, she unlocked her Lux.

When the ritual concluded, Lucia was left shaken; the power she had unlocked felt like a curse more than anything. As she grappled with her new abilities, she felt conflicting emotions: anger at her parents for forcing her to endure that and a lingering sense of loyalty that kept her bound to their legacy. In the years that followed her Kindling Event, Lucia’s parents became her mentors, training her in the Blood-Art Technique. They taught her rigorously, believing mastery over this dark and forbidden form of magic was essential for her survival in the dangerous world they now inhabited. Yet, she also felt their fanaticism and commitment to the Inner Circle lingering in [i]every [/i]lesson.

Lucia's parents' dark legacy was a looming threat, filled with whispers of betrayal among the remnants of the Inner Circle. One night, after returning from school, she found their lifeless bodies, their throats slashed. The murderer had been careful, leaving no trace behind. In that instant, the last rope to the Inner Circle - and her previous life - was finally severed. Lucia felt overwhelming grief, rage, and most importantly[i] freedom[/i]. Their deaths had granted her a chance to escape the legacy of the Inner Circle. 

With the weight of her parents' legacy lifted from her shoulders, Lucia sought to reclaim her life and make a difference in the world. She joined the 317 after Sentinel Solutions, acting at the behest of the Elite, attacked the faction, believing that becoming part of a community dedicated to protecting artists and Paranormal beings was her way of fighting back. Lucia is a comically tall and slim woman, standing at six-two, with a dark aesthetic and demeanor. 
[/indent]

[b]Abstraction:[/B]
Adept - [i]Green, Purple, & Black Lux.[/i] Channeler: [url=https://i.imgur.com/pyWpE0v.jpeg]Old Grimoire.[/url]
[indent][b]Crimson Strike:[/b] Lucia thrusts her channeler, the Old Grimoire, forward, unleashing razor-sharp tendrils of blood that erupt from the book and shoot toward the opponent directly in front of her. These tendrils whip through the air with lethal precision, slicing through flesh and inflicting deep, bleeding wounds. This spell does not require a symbol to be drawn first.

[b]The Crimson Cloud:[/b] Lucia rides a cloud of blood, gliding above the ground to traverse distances quickly or evade danger. The symbol for this spell is a billowing cloud, with droplets cascading down like rain.

[b]Telekinesis:[/b] Lucia manipulates objects from a distance telekinetically, allowing her to hurl debris or even bind enemies with a flick of her wrist. The symbol for this spell is a series of sharp, jagged lines converging toward a central point.

[b]Flare:[/b] Lucia fires a small orb of concentrated boiling blood, inflicting minor burns on impact. The symbol for this spell is a flickering flame encircled by droplets of blood.

[b]Blood Apparition:[/b] Lucia temporarily creates an Apparition from her blood, manifesting as a flickering, ghostly silhouette. This Apparition can distract enemies and lash out with tendrils of blood, dealing minor slashing damage. It can absorb a few hits before dissipating in a spray of crimson mist, offering brief protection for Lucia. The symbol for this spell is a ghostly silhouette with flowing blood droplets in a swirl shape.

[b]Sanguine Echo:[/b] Lucia creates Apparition copies of herself made of blood that can confuse and distract opponents that go down after the first moderate hit. The symbol for this spell is a series of overlapping silhouettes, each dripping blood.

[b]The Chains:[/b] Lucia conjures chains made of blood that whip out like tendrils, lashing at her enemies precisely. Once they make contact, the chains wrap around and immobilize the target, constricting tighter the more they struggle. This spell is symbolized by a jagged chain motif drawn in blood.

[b]Rejuvenation:[/b] Lucia channels Green-Lux into her blood and creates tendril-like tubes, which she uses to inject her blood into her target. This process gradually heals wounds and alleviates pain as the infused blood works through the recipient's body. The symbol for this spell is a heart surrounded by flowing blood.

[b]Catalyst:[/b] Lucia animates a recently deceased body with blood-infused necromancy. The corpse is a temporary servant capable of basic tasks or light combat. The symbol for this spell is a skull crowned by blood droplets.

[b]Scalding Rain:[/b] Lucia causes droplets of boiling blood to rain down, searing enemies with minor burns. The symbol for this spell is a series of teardrop-like shapes representing each drop of scorching blood.

[b]Blood Barrier:[/b] Lucia conjures a barrier made of crystallized blood that acts as a protective shield against incoming attacks. The barrier can absorb a certain amount of damage before shattering, and when it does, it releases a spray of sharp, crystal-like shards that can injure nearby enemies. The symbol for this spell is a geometric crystal shape with blood droplets around it.

[b]Phantasm Form:[/b] Lucia transforms into a glowing red orb, becoming intangible and allowing all attacks to pass through her. In this state, she can swiftly fly through the environment, evading danger and quickly repositioning herself. The symbol for this spell is a circle encircled by a series of swirling, jagged lines.
[/indent]
[/cell][/row][/table]