Eli Ashford – The Dark Being
Description:
Eli Ashford is a former blacksmith from the kingdom of Incarta who rises to become the leader of the rebellion against Cosimir the Eternal. He is a man of humble origins, marked by his strong sense of justice and unwavering loyalty to his people. However, his journey is deeply complex, as he is both a hero and a tragic figure whose fate is intertwined with the dark magic of Evania.
Appearance:
Eli is tall and muscular from years of working as a blacksmith, with a rugged appearance. His dark brown hair is usually unkempt, and his deep-set eyes hold both warmth and a burden of responsibility. As his journey progresses, his once warm demeanor becomes more serious, especially after being touched by the dark magic of Baladan. His appearance takes on a more haunted, almost shadowy quality, reflecting the internal struggle between the light of Solana and the encroaching darkness.
Personality:
Eli is defined by his strong moral compass, deep empathy, and natural leadership abilities. He is initially a hopeful and determined man, driven by a belief in the prophecy and in Solana’s guidance. However, Eli is also haunted by self-doubt and the weight of the sacrifices he must make for the greater good. His internal conflict deepens after his prophetic vision reveals that he is the sacrifice needed to defeat Cosimir. This duality—of hero and potential villain—becomes a central part of his character as he grapples with the dark temptation offered by Eldryn.
Backstory:
Eli’s life begins in the mining kingdom of Incarta, where he works as a blacksmith. He is called to leadership after receiving visions from Solana, the Benevolent Guardian of Evania, who reveals that Eli is destined to lead the people in overthrowing Cosimir. Unknown to Eli until much later, he shares a secret bloodline with Faro, making him part of an ancient lineage, though he is not connected to the Evania royal family. This secret makes him the necessary sacrifice to fulfill the prophecy and rid the world of Cosimir’s curse.
Abilities/Skills:
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Connection to Solana’s Light: Eli possesses an inherent connection to Solana’s light, granting him prophetic visions and insights that guide his actions and decisions.
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Combat Skills: Eli is a formidable fighter, with combat abilities honed from years of experience as a blacksmith, making him adept with melee weapons and physical confrontations.
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Access to Dark Powers: As dark magic begins to consume him, Eli gains access to darker, more destructive powers, though he struggles against fully embracing these abilities.
Key Relationships:
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Faro: Eli’s closest ally and loyal friend, Faro is not only his companion in battle but also his secret brother. Their relationship is tested as Eli grapples with his fate as the sacrifice.
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Solana: Eli’s connection to the deity Solana is one of his core guiding forces, though Solana can only guide, not directly intervene. Eli’s visions from Solana shape much of his path, though they also weigh heavily on him, and haunt him after he takes power.
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Eldryn: The dark mage Eldryn represents the opposing force in Eli’s life, offering him power in exchange for turning away from the light. Eldryn manipulates Eli during critical moments, playing a role in Eli’s eventual fall into darkness.
FATE CORE Recommended Stats
Starting Aspects:
High Concept:
I am now the royalty I was robbed of.
Trouble:
What is this magic that consumes me?
Skills:
+5 Superb– Fight
+4 Great – Physique
+3 Good – Athletics
+2 Fair – Deceive
+1 Average – Provoke
Unranked – Empathy