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bewitchingbloom · 1 day ago

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🍒 for Lariel!

Dujour! Thank you again. This one ended up even longer than Zrise's!

Lariel is a character that I struggle to write when the audience can't see her thoughts and feelings. As how she comes across to others is often completely different to how she experiences herself. There is almost a constant dissonance. From the outside she's very simple, but her neuroses are even harder to me explain. As she is full of contradictions, and what she chooses in the moment, is extremely dependent on everything surrounding it. There's also some spoilers on how I've changed her story.

This got delayed cause I got really sick. Doing much better today.

I empathize with, and am so grateful to, the few people who have tried to write her in their own work.

If I tagged you, your oc is in question three!

off the top of your head: notes for characterization? what are the most essential traits of this character to you (personality traits, important connections/dynamics, voice)?

Independence, power, and guilt

Her guiding principle. Is that no one knows what will make you happy and fulfilled but you. No one can make you happy but yourself. And you can't control anything, but yourself. Listen and learn from others. Consider them. But ultimately only you can choose.

Lariel is shaped most of all by her sorcerer's power. It's why the family treats Lariel and her brother differently from each other. It's why she is both protected and caged. It is a source of empowerment, and the source of her greatest pains. She has a complex and difficult relationship to power, her own, and when wielded by others.

In her experience, power itself is a kind of corruption, it twists the pure and good. No matter one's intentions. It is something you must always be aware of and keep in check within yourself. She does not expect perfection, and sometimes you don't have a choice, but she doesn't trust those who wield it thoughtlessly and think it has no consequences, especially on their own soul.

She feels a level of responsibility for those who don't have what she does. Logically she knows, she can't give everything away, she can't always help, but when suffering is in front of her, she can't help but want to do something. Anything within her power. As much as she knows grief is part of life, it's a fight to accept it without succumbing to despair. A challenge. A practice. A lesson. Each time she loses someone.

Her power has done horrible damage to the people she tried to save. She sees this as her own selfishness. Her fault. Her attachment and want for control, her disregard for their autonomy. To alleviate her own grief and pain, twisted the wish in her heart.

Sometimes people don't want to be saved, sometimes they can't be, sometimes what you want would hurt them, sometimes they do something and you'll never understand their motivation, and forcing your own will over them is a weakness of spirit.

As a powerful sorcerer with the blood of fey and air. Lariel can see a truth in others hearts they aren't even aware of. At times it lets her see the future when it comes to their wishes. She often struggles with this. Does she let her friends choose a fate that could hurt others? Follow their heart and destroy those around them? Or does she push her will to protect some? Can she even do anything to help? It is ordained by the cosmic forces? Would something even worse befall them if she intervened just as before?

All this to say, this is why she keeps her distance. Emotionally and physically. Afraid of hurting others, and then to be burdened with the haunting guilt of doing so. Even if someone else can forgive her, she finds it hard to forgive herself.

Atheism

No God will come to save you. You must save yourself. If there is nothing but darkness. You must be the light.

In theory, Lariel understands why the Gods are worshiped. And she understands they can not work miracles everyday. They can't remove pain, struggle, or death from existence. On the other hand, she thinks, if so, why does anyone bother? If they will not come in the darkest moments, if they will not save the innocent, what do they actually do with all that cosmic weight?

They are like monarchs. Monolithic and powerful but very fallible. They never answered her. Why should she pray to any of them? It's not Gods that we should care about, it's people.

The worship she understands most, is done by people who use Gods as inspiration. As a totem to do good for themselves and those around them.

The witness

Her brother's death and dark resurrection. Accidentally killing her teacher Ethara and begging for her to be returned. Abuse she must see and is compelled to be silent on. Each mistake or rebellion she had, the punishment was taken out on others. On those who didn't have what she did. Her power shielded her, but not those she cared for most. In fact, it was why it was redirected towards them. She has survivors' guilt.

It's often like a sheet of glass separates her from the world. She always feels like a visitor. Everything is temporary. She never expects anyone to stay put, she wants them to chase their happiness, and she never sees herself as a permanent source of happiness.

Even when she sits down with her friends, in a way, she is seeing this as a moment to remember. Something to cling on to. She doesn't mean to mourn in the present, but she also finds it hard to connect to people. Knowing soon they'll be gone. And it won't be anyone's fault. That's just life. So she doesn't want to burden them, and she wants their time together to all to be a good memory for them.

She believes in doing small acts of kindness whenever possible. Without any expectation it will be returned, because to her, that's not the point. Kindness is it's own reward. In fact, she'd rather no one know it was her. It's why she takes up the 'wishing fairy' idea and runs with it. A nice fairy is the one who does all these deeds. Not her. She wants to make a more kind world and inspire others to do so too. One small act, can change the world in ways we can't foresee.

Head in the clouds, heart on the ground

Lariel is a precarious balance of dreaming of the impossible, the fantastical, the romantic, the ideal, and then checking herself with reality. In her mind, the point of stories and songs is to inspire and move others. To make someone more open and empathetic to others. To expand ones senses outside their own perspective.

Love, romance, noble acts of sacrifice, etc, are things Lariel enjoys reading about, dreaming about, but knows in reality, nothing is so simple. Good intentions, an pure heart, they only get you so far. You need discipline. You have to do the hard, boring, and unglamourous work to make it matter.

As a half-elf, and a crossblooded sorcereress, her psyche is very fractured. Pulled in many directions, so she must sift through a lot to find her own wants, feelings, and thoughts. Not to mention those who surround her and attempt to push and pull her to their own aims.

Her default assumption is that nothing is inherently evil. That evil nor good are a permanent state. She also assumes most people, if they knew how their actions hurt others, wouldn't continue to do so. Unless they have to do it to survive. But, when someone revels in cruelty. Destroying, corrupting, or toying with others, you will lose her mercy. And it's almost impossible to get back.

Insolence

After her mentor Ethara's death, she started to act the part. Perfect daughter. Prefect fiancée. Perfect student. Be completely obedient. Surrender to others will. She knew she couldn't live this way. Especially not forever. But she stopped rebelling, not only to stop those around her from getting hurt in her stead, but as a way to lull everyone into believing she'd accepted her lot in life. But now that she's free. She swears she'll never do it again.

Pride creeps up on her. The sheer magnitude of her power can make her arrogant. She'll play stupid. Act like she doesn't understand. Make other's explain why they 'dare' think she needs to kowtow. But she refuses to do what she deems is beneath her. So she'll only give if it's what she wants, or to protect others. Be certain though, if it's the latter, she's already thinking about how to get them away from you.

As you have noted about her Dujour, she is very stubborn, and she isn't willing to try and win people over to her side. Her compassion extends to giving people chances to explain themselves, and follow their hearts, to see the wounds that motivate people, and forgive actions done. But she's very ready for no one to understand her choices, and she'll still make them regardless.

Wrath is always simmering under the surface. It's just controlled most of the time. When she loses that control the consequences are huge. She almost always regrets letting it take control. Lariel doesn't often realize its that bottling up and denying her negative violent emotions that leads to her giving them more power over her.

There's a reason I compare her to unicorns. A powerful and wild being. That others want to destroy and capture. Whose magic can only be wielded by her, and if you try, it fades from your grasp. She is difficult to truly trick and deceive. She'd rather die, than be at the end of a chain again.

Her relationships

Lariel doesn't think of herself highly, but not in the ways I think others assume. She will hide, obscure, and make small, until she feels safe or leaves. It's also very difficult for her to take compliments. Either they feel basic and unmeaningful, very frivolous. Usually about her appearance or voice. She will not fight those, but she just doesn't take them to heart. She attributes real and genuine ones to other things. It's not HER that's kind, or smart, or thoughtful. It's the what she's done that is those things.

Lariel is both deeply attached to others, and also separate. The way she is attached to people is not the way most people would define it. She watches and waits. Sees how people act. Compares what they say against what they really mean. Where they contradict themselves. She collects data. Asks questions. Not for any other purpose, but to understand them. She grows attached to their goals, their pain, their joy.

To her love, asks for no sacrifice, it only offers acceptance for the things we can not change, but points out what can be changed for the better. It listens. And she will offer this to others easily, but does not offer HERSELF so readily. She guards her own heart.

It's easy to watch her from a distance, take the kindness she offers and find her like roots tangled around your own heart. But she does not easily allow others close. Lariel comes across like a tease. Right when you realize you're not sure you can live without her, she tilts her head, looks very sad, and regretfully states she doesn't feel the same way. And you might not ever see her again.

I'll keep it vague-ish but two things only Lariel knows are 'her fault'. Two acts of wishcraft that went against the rules of those with that kind of magic. Wishcraft being such a powerful magic even Gods want to stop the rituals as nothing can undo them. Both were her own doing, and were because she wanted to undo a terrible cruelty in her grief. Only her wishes were twisted in the worst way possible. So she is afraid of feeling so attached to people. Not only because of what she might do TO them, but what she'd do FOR them.

She actually gets crushes very easily. It's just she'd never say that. And also it's hard for it to evolve into something more. (On her end.)

Voice

Lariel will choose kindness, the only exceptions being if she can see the act itself being a catalyst for something worse. Her kindness is not always polite, nor it is passive, but that is her preference.

Keeps her thoughts and opinions to herself. Even when asked for them. Only sharing if she trusts you, or to test if she should.

Can talk a lot about things that she is passionate about. Magic, stories, history, sweets, etc. But it's not really predictable when she will.

A constant push and pull between despair and hope.

Says things that can be hard to understand because she is acting on information only she knows. And sometimes is trying to help someone without telling them too much or taking them off their path.

Wanders off and forgets to tell people what she's doing.

Starts off with limited emoting, as she is used to repressing her emotions, but she grows into expressing herself. Sometimes too much.

Cries easily, but usually it's when she's happy.

Looks for the beauty in everything.

Collects trinkets to hold memories.

Random things

Shows signs of losing control of her powers. Her veins lighting up. Her eyes glowing. Her hair floating or filled with static.

Lariel has a fey blood-line of a naiad queen, her voice and harp have a true power over some mortals. But it means she keeps her singing and instrument playing to herself.

adjacently—do you think fandom does the above traits justice? why or why not?

Skipping this one because I fully understand why people find her harder to write than Zrise. Hahaha

throw this character at any other character of your choice to bounce off each other as outsider pov to each other— regardless of timeline or logistics (crossovers allowed if you're interesting about it). why this combination? what insights would they have on each other?

Doing as I did with Zrise and talking about potential I see between her and other ocs. The first few are repeats. If you'd like me to remove your oc feel free to tell me.

Siavash

You described their relationship so beautifully. They are really the best of friends, but by the end, they are estranged. Many of their beliefs seem the same on the surface. But Siavash puts his faith everywhere but himself, and Lariel thinks that's his fatal flaw. It's one thing to doubt yourself, it's another to accept and wield incredible power, BECAUSE you do not have faith in yourself. Lariel does not trust Siavash's 'everything will be fine' mantra and she dreads being witness to what might happen because of his good intentions.

@thesolemnhour Agria

These two are everything to me like you can't believe. Their similarities and differences. Lariel seems quiet and placid, Agria intense and bright. I do think they complete each other in a way. Lariel desperately needs a cheerleader. Someone who sees past her surface. Agria would pull her out of her shell and have her back. And she would find a clear mirror and a softness directed at her in Lariel. Seeing and appreciating who Agria is. Sees her heart, and the grief she doesn't want others to know is there. They offer a kindness they do not extend to themselves in the other.

@amatres Layla

Another character I believe would have Lariel's trust and loyalty. I can see Layla bringing Lariel into adventures, places she wouldn't think to go, do the unexpected. They both have a fought the hard battle to follow their heart. Layla is someone who understands both Lariel's optimism and her fears. These two have a lot in common. And I think they'd be dear friends. And I think they'd find a place to belong with each other.

@bewitchingbloom Ariadne

There is a strength of personality and a deep well of intelligence in Ariadne that Lariel would really admire and respect. They would be someone she would look too much like an older sibling. Funny enough, I think Ariadne brings out Lariel's more grounded and also her more mischievous side. Not because Lariel is worried for her. It's that she's worried about others. In a lighthearted way. Ariadne's mischief would remind her of childhood. When Lariel tried to charm her way out consequences for Zrise and her because of little pranks and such. I can see her more so 'playing dumb' so Ariadne can take advantage of it hahaha

@silversiren1101 Mino

I think Lariel would be very protective of Mino. Which is a little funny, as she is the squishy glass canon to her tank. But Lariel would see her resiliency, her hope in face of everything, the forces and people who pull and push her. And Lariel would relate. See that Mino feels the weight of it all, and the responsibility to take care of people still. Lariel would desperately want her to take a vacation, and I can see her getting Mino gifts she leaves around hoping she smiles.

@2vulpes Luthais

The tragedy of their inability to escape the power and fate of the Aeon, might get Lariel to do the most reckless thing she'd done since she was a child. Luthais is honestly a foil/mirror in some ways. They both know loss, they know the poisons of nobility. Only Luthais takes the feeling of responsibility and repression of emotions up to 100. I can see them bringing out a softer sillier side to Lariel. Seeing Luthais so guarded and haunted lets her reflect on herself in a way that might free them both.

@aelyosos Ocean

Oceans and storms my beloved. I think they share a deep understanding for a freedom. To wander. Lariel often flees from those too possessive or too controlling. He rides that line between little shit and heart of gold. She is not immune to rascals. I think of it as a love that they return too. A safe place to land in a storm. Despite Ocean towering over her, he'd also bring out her more protective stubborn side when he's treated differently as a tiefling. Not to mention the book recommendations, letters, and trinkets.

@undyingembers Lenarius/Leonosa

Lariel would find his/her overbearing nature as a little overwhelming at first, until she understood it comes from a place of caring and concern. Not about controlling others. Len speaks a truth that isn't always polite or pleasant but Lariel can tell comes from a good hearted place. They share that feeling like being omen for ill luck in your family. Of an isolated childhood. I see Lariel as very invested in his/her happiness. A kindred soul. Protective and quietly working to make sure things go well for them and together they can follow his/her heart. Especially if that's trying out new things.

@rollofleaf Hilde

Lariel more easily trusts someone who values being true, rather than someone being polite. And I can see Lariel easily pulled in by her stories and songs. I think it would also be healing in a way, the way Hilde sees herself as a warrior and a poet. Someone who can do both. Lariel often struggles with feeling inhuman when letting her rage and power take control. So to see someone who can channel into something to protect their friends and be beautiful. Would give her a much needed perspective shift. Lariel would also admire not just her strength in battle, but in her heart.

@cassiaorsellio Valerius

Ah yes, that champion of dark chivalry. If there was one who had the chance of making her unapologetically embrace her power it would be him. Lariel has never been on the other end of any devotion, never been on the other end of something like that given freely to her. Though their relationship would be very cat and mouse. Even if she does not worship any god, she probably wouldn't realize who Valerius worshiped until she felt tied to him. she also doesn't believe the God you worship makes you good or evil. And she would find him hard to abandon or betray due to a shared sense of loyalty. I can't not see them as Christine and Erik since Harper brought it up.

@dmagedgoods Eneas

I can not lie. I mostly put him here because I have no idea how these two would interact if they had too, but it would be fascinating. Like a car crash. Eneas would really remind Lariel of her ex-fiancée. Not in the knight in shining armor way, but in enjoying toying with people just because he can. Collecting people like things. Lariel is also extremely resistant, almost immune to mind reading and emotional influence in the magical sense. So I wonder what Eneas would do with someone like that. If Lariel could see what was under the surface… I'm not sure how she'd treat him.

@yunessa Yunessa

Once Lariel knew, she would feel very much the desire to help understand the nature of Yunessa's curse. Probably trying to think of ways to help them hold onto memories. Admiring their more upbeat attitude. Looking for the joys despite it all. Though she also knows first hand that no one is all sunshine. She would find their loyalty very reassuring, but also worry that she might be taking advantage of their good intentions. As I've said she also loves a song and plays the harp. I can see Yunessa actually getting her out of her shell in that regard.

@shiawasekai Nela

Nela would really be an interesting interaction as I can see Lariel envying her more logical and less emotionally driven decision making. Another character I can so see getting a softer, more reassuring side of Lariel. As she relates to her in both feeling like you're not mature enough for your age, and also had to take responsibility too soon and lost parts of your childhood. Nela almost taking innocent lives and Lariel taking the life of her teacher. How they both struggle with power in a moral sense and a literal sense. I think they could be good for each other if they could talk. (but they are both more so on the quiet side haha)

how do you think you would react to this character in real life and vice versa? would you prefer be a million miles out of range, be amicable classmates, or fall desperately in love? (bonus: arrange a hypothetical date between yourself and this character. getting silly with it is encouraged (fakedate them! escape a dinner date through a bathroom window!))

Lariel and I would probably have a positive interaction and then never speak again. Not because I'd dislike her. We are both just airheaded. She's hard to keep as a friend and so am I. Haha

ideal flavor of rotating for this character? crack them open and dissect them— do you want them tormented, pining, or being loved + comforted? do you have any specific scenarios you like to think about?

Damn… I think Lariel is a character who kind of needs all of the above. But she's also much more stubborn and guarded than her brother. I have yet to write a character that reaches her to the same degree.

weave a web of dynamics through the cast for this character: which dynamics are you most interested in? both canonically and through extrapolation/speculation— which dynamics are the richest to you, and why?

Hmm… this is hard because even among her companions in wotr, none of them quite broke through her shell. Even though she romanced Woljif, he's not one to ask many questions about the kc in game. Which makes sense. It's the nature of a game like that.

She doesn't let them close enough until AFTER the events of the game. Where she no longer feels responsible for the lives of everyone.

Seelah is the closest to a best friend she has. No motivations outside friendship and doing the right thing. She is also the only companion who tried to comfort or get to know the KC.

She's a funny character. Lariel is drawn in two different directions and so what draws her to a character can feel random. But more so she needs a character to first drop their guard around her, and then show an interest in her internal world. Because she is used to being projected on and never really known.

do you have particular niche takes on this character? defend those takes. (openly controversial takes are permitted, but also: hyper-specific headcanons which you believe in and no one else has considered enough to disagree with yet. pick a hill to die on.)

Nope.

#pathfinder wrath of the righteous #moot ocs #oh lariel...🥺

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