Name
Sylvaine de Vermeille
Race
Human
Gender
Female
Age
32
Appearance
Hair: Shoulder length tousled bob, jet black, silky smooth
Eyes: Emerald green
Skin: Pale, smooth
Length: 5'10", 162 cm
Weight: 110lbs, 50kg
Build: Slender, agile, wiry
Clothes: Worn leather outfit, ragged half-cape, high boots
Personality
Sylvaine possesses a deadly mix of absolute charm and severe narcissism, which often leads people to misjudge and underestimate her during social interactions. Her charm is almost intoxicating, with a warm and inviting demeanor that draws people in like moths to a flame. She knows how to use her looks and wit to her advantage, leaving a trail of admirers in her wake. However, this beguiling exterior masks a deep-seated self-absorption, making her interactions highly manipulative. She enjoys the power she holds over others, reveling in the control she exerts with her charisma, all while ensuring that those around her remain blissfully unaware of her true nature.
Beneath her charming façade lies a core of indifferent ruthlessness that can surface in an instant, catching even the most perceptive off guard. Sylvaine's true self is cold and calculating, driven by an insatiable greed and a relentless lust for power and pleasure. She navigates her world with a cunning precision, always strategizing her next move to ensure she remains on top. This duality makes her incredibly dangerous, as she can switch from being a charming companion to a merciless adversary without warning. Her unpredictability in social interactions is both her greatest strength and the source of her most significant peril, as those who cross her path rarely see her true intentions until it is too late.
As a friend, Sylvaine is unpredictable at best, her loyalties shifting with the winds of her desires. She can be fiercely loyal one moment, only to betray those closest to her if it serves her purpose. This volatility makes her a difficult ally, as her actions are driven more by self-interest than genuine affection or camaraderie. On the other hand, as an enemy, she is like a twitchy snake, always ready to strike when least expected. Her vengeful nature knows no bounds, and she takes pleasure in the suffering of those who dare oppose her. Sylvaine's complex personality ensures that she remains an enigma to all but herself, a master of manipulation and a force to be reckoned with in any social sphere.
Background
Sylvaine's father was the captain of a company of sellswords, and from a young age, she was her father's girl, absorbing his customs and those of his rough-and-tumble company. Growing up on the campaign trail was harsh, especially for a little girl surrounded by hardened mercenaries, and she quickly realized that she had to adapt to survive. She learned to hide and steal, skills that were essential for navigating the dangerous world she inhabited. As she grew older, these skills evolved into lying and deceiving, eventually leading her to master the art of combat and killing. Every vice or dark deed imaginable has either been committed by Sylvaine or seriously contemplated, shaping her into a figure of both fear and respect.
Life with her father was a brutal education in the ways of war and treachery. When her father lost command of his company and succumbed to drinking, Sylvaine saw it as a weakness she could not afford to tolerate. In a cold, calculated move, she left him to die, taking whatever possessions of value he had left. This act of betrayal marked the final step in her transformation from a vulnerable girl to a ruthless survivor. Striking out on her own, Sylvaine quickly made a name for herself as a sellsword, brigand, and occasional assassin. Her fickle nature often landed her in precarious situations, but her cunning and resourcefulness always enabled her to escape unscathed, further solidifying her reputation as a master of survival.
Her downfall, however, came when she attempted to assassinate the Heliarch during a ceremony, disguised as a priest on a mission from a rival faith amidst the chaos of the wars. Her plan was nearly flawless, but she was thwarted at the last moment by the Warden herself, who happened to be present. This failure led to her capture and imprisonment in the Maw, a place of despair and darkness. Yet, even in captivity, Sylvaine's mind is sharp and her will unbroken. She spends her days plotting her revenge, waiting for the opportunity to escape and exact her vengeance on those who thwarted her. Her time in the Maw has only hardened her resolve, making her an even more formidable adversary when she eventually breaks free.
Talents
Take what you can, give nothing back: Sylvaine's survival and success are rooted in her unwavering ability to seize every opportunity for personal gain while offering nothing in return. This talent is a direct reflection of the ruthless world she grew up in, where every advantage had to be taken to ensure survival. She excels in identifying and exploiting weaknesses in others, whether through theft, manipulation, or betrayal. Her cunning allows her to navigate complex social and political landscapes, always extracting the maximum benefit for herself. This talent has made her both feared and respected, as those who encounter her quickly learn that she is not one to be trifled with. Sylvaine's relentless drive for personal gain ensures that she remains a step ahead of her adversaries, always prepared to take what she can without a hint of remorse.
Sword and Sorcery: A lethal combination of physical prowess and arcane knowledge sets Sylvaine apart from other mercenaries. Her combat skills are second to none, honed through years of practice and countless battles. She wields her sword with deadly precision, capable of taking down multiple opponents with ease. But what truly makes her formidable is her mastery of sorcery. She has learned to weave spells that enhance her combat abilities, allowing her to strike with supernatural speed and strength. Her magical prowess also extends to offensive and defensive spells, making her a versatile and unpredictable fighter. This blend of swordsmanship and sorcery makes Sylvaine a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, capable of facing even the most daunting foes with confidence.
Femme Fatale: Sylvaine's charm and beauty are as dangerous as her combat skills, making her a true femme fatale. She has perfected the art of seduction, using her allure to manipulate those around her to her advantage. Her ability to enthrall and deceive allows her to infiltrate high society and secure information or resources that would be otherwise inaccessible. Men and women alike fall prey to her charms, often underestimating her true intentions until it is too late. Sylvaine's seductive prowess is not just a means to an end but a weapon in its own right, allowing her to disarm and destroy her enemies without ever drawing her sword. This talent makes her an invaluable asset in espionage and intrigue, where a well-placed whisper can be as deadly as a blade.
Flaws
Center of the Universe: Sylvaine's greatest flaw is her overwhelming ego, which often blinds her to potential dangers and leads her to underestimate her opponents. Her narcissism makes her believe she is invincible and incapable of making mistakes, which can lead to reckless decisions and unnecessary risks. This overconfidence can be exploited by enemies who understand how to play to her vanity, luring her into traps or goading her into actions that jeopardize her plans. Sylvaine's inability to recognize her own limitations is a critical vulnerability that can lead to her downfall if not checked.
Greed is Good: Sylvaine's insatiable lust for power and pleasure drives many of her actions, often leading her into precarious situations. Her need for control and dominance makes her prone to overreach, pushing her into conflicts or schemes that spiral out of control. This addiction can cloud her judgment, making her more impulsive and less strategic in her decisions. Enemies who recognize this flaw can manipulate her by offering tantalizing opportunities for power, knowing she is likely to take the bait without considering the long-term consequences. Her relentless pursuit of power can also alienate potential allies, leaving her isolated and vulnerable.
Betrayal begins with Trust: Sylvaine's past is marked by betrayal, both given and received, which has left deep emotional scars. This makes her deeply mistrustful and paranoid, always expecting others to turn on her as she has done to them. Her inability to trust can sabotage relationships with potential allies and create unnecessary enemies. This paranoia can be exploited by foes who plant seeds of doubt and discord, knowing she will be quick to suspect treachery. Additionally, her history of betrayal haunts her, leading to moments of hesitation or self-doubt, particularly when she confronts situations reminiscent of her past actions, such as abandoning her father. This psychological burden can impair her decision-making and leave her vulnerable at critical moments.
Equipment
Nothing, apart from her outfit.