#Thax Blurrblade

[alta1r1an]

Would you vote for him in the cat mayor election.

[brightwingedbat]

Thax appears, getting a compact mirror out of his pocket and presenting it to Tantalus. "Got an offer, that mirror can trap anyone who as much as gazes into it. Lets ya disguise like the one you capture too. Just dont go getting yourself stuck in there, I'm not inclined to let you out if you do. In return, you owe me a favour down the line. whaddya think?"

"Anyone who gazes into it, eh?" Tantalus takes the offered mirror, keeping his gaze locked to Thax. He takes a small thin black cloth from a pocket and wraps it around the object, fully covering the glass. He then soon pockets it. "I suppose that's a yes, it's damn useful. Basically a free pass into Ascalon at that too."

Tantalus' orange eye glowers from beneath his hat, a fanged grin forms on his muzzle. "Whatever favour you want, I'm your charr. This things worth more than just gold."

[alta1r1an]

Thax and his morals are uh... His own personal interpretation that requires a bit of backstory. He was forced to flee from the Legion he was wanting to join when he was around 15 due to having a bad encounter with some radical anti magic Iron warband.

This affected him greatly and alot, it not all, of his magic use is retaliation based on how he was hurt that day.

Most of those he imprisons end up being those he deems as 'deserving' of it. Often the Charr that are violent or hostile to other Charr within the legion that wield magic. Other than that he spends alot of time playing at being someone else or causing havoc to quiet his own anxiety and loneliness.

He does have to keep them in the mirror to make use of them! it's... unfortunately a bit of a non-issue what trauma's others might bring in on him as he's messed up enough to not mind it. He very much enjoys not seeing his own face reflected at him (I like the irony of him being bad at self-reflection as a mirror mage).

Going to end that ramble off with ooo I love that Leo is so strong on his beliefs! it's a fun thing to play with for a Charr, having a dislike of binding things to his will with their uhhh usual proclivities.

Cutting in late because timezones but

I hold up Thax blurrblade (I am holding up the misspelling I made as a teen he just made up a name he thought was cool as he's non-legion) to you like simba.

He's a mesmer with an innate talent for mirror magic and prismatic manipulation. His biggest "trick" is that he can imprison people inside a mirror and then use that mirror as a focus for a disguise. He takes on their appearance perfectly and gains an understanding of their memories and mannerisms. Additionally he can also replicate their skills (though not always with 100% effectiveness)

WAHOOOOO MESMER MENTION!!!!

Ooooh the concept of mirror magic is super cool!!! I love the fact it has a more psychological impact re: Apperance, memories and mannerisms. Has this at all backfired before? Like maybe picking up really shocking memories? And Im assuming it only works if theyre still imprisoned within that mirror right? This is so cool! I love adding upon how incredibly powerful mesmers can be! Is there any sort of morals he imposes on himself regarding this? Or does he not think too much about it? :0

--

This is pretty unrelated but in terms of like imposing limits on magic: Leo absolutely refuses to summon minions or bind spirits no matter what, even if it's not "permanent." He has such a huge respect for spirits and sees what happened to the ghosts of Ascalon as an absolute terrifying fate for those it affected, he doesn't touch anything within that realm of Necromancy. His relationship with Spirits empowering him is symbiotic and due to helping them so they in turn help him! And as far as minions go he just doesn't personally like the idea of creating things just for acts of violence or to serve him, since he also sees creation as sacred!

[alta1r1an]

For Thax, who's the worst person that you've captured in your mirrors and what'd they do to earn that title? Are there any that you might consider granting clemency to?

Thax looks up from the tome he was reading, his gaze measuredly neutral. The question is unexpected. With a flourish of his paw he smacks the tome shut, and it floats off back to its resting place in his bookcase.

"Most of the ones I imprison are the worst of those prejudiced against magic, all of them thinking they can put themselves above those with magic. That they can get away with anything they do to us."

You hear a low growl as he holds out his paw, golden light appearing from nothing and threading together until it snaps into a pink hue with the crackle of broken glass.

What he holds in his paw now is a simple mirror, shaped into a small playing card. Inside, you can see the reflection of a Charr, his paws pressed against the glass of his prison.

"This, is Centurion Tullus Keeneye. Oversaw weapons testing in Ascalon. Well, one of many sites where they tested weapons. You know how Iron Legion is."

He turned the mirror to himself, watchign its occupant with disdain. "He.. had quite the opinion of us shamans, mages. Believed we- they, had to work to earn any sliver of trust."

"He argued, that those who had magic to defend themselves could 'help' test anti magic weaponry. He'd already gotten many injured or killed before I got there."

He magics the mirror away, then sighs considering the rest of the question. "Clemency? well."

"I... might let many of them go. They are still capable of learning, and I am running out of room to hold on to so much anger."

His eyes flare with gold and pink power. "But that doesn't mean I will forgive easily"

[alta1r1an]

"Thax~" August singsongs. "Tell me again of your various crushes and affections? I'm in the mood to make someone else's business my own." (@commanderhorncleaver)

Thax looks up from his jigsaw puzzle, raising one eyebrow and his eyes glowing gold in bemusement. "Little dragonfly, when are you not making other people's business your own."

He sighs, a very tired sigh. "My.. 'various' crushes and affections you say..? Well, there's been some. But I dont think me messing around with people while I'm wearing another face counts, does it?"

With a shrug he continues. "There might have been one, long ago. I.. think about him sometimes. He wasn't a shaman like me but he was a wizard with an axe. He had the most wonderful pelt.. and the way he'd laugh when he beat someone at a game again."

"He'd hate me now, hate what I do. But sometimes I dream, He was always kinder than most Charr. The foolish parts of me think that maybe, out of any Charr, maybe he'd have understood."

He goes back to his puzzle, the puzzle now glowing weakly with a golden pink glow. The image now showing a handsome Charr.. a memory. "But that's wishful thinking, isn't it?"

[alta1r1an]

Thax approaches Raevik with a smug smile smeared across his face

"Oi, you're Haevik right? You hang around August a lot. Got any embarrassing stories about him you're willing to share?"

Raevik watches the Charr approach with a sharp gaze, taking care to keep his expression neutral. Inside he feels suspicion and frustration as he sees Thax. Makes sense when you see someone who fits the bill of a Charr you've been hunting for years.

"Approximately correct. I am Raevik, and yes, August is my brother. We have been in contact often lately."

He huffs. "Embarrassing stories of my brother.. he rather rarely- No, actually not at all- embarrasses himself."

His neutral mask slips for a moment, as disdain and annoyance washes over him. "The only embarrassing thing about him I can imagine right now i just being near him in general. The way he.."

He growls, but then stifles that into a sigh. A moment passes. he closes his eyes. When he opens them again the mask is in place again. Perfectly neutral, with the slightest hint of guilt if you really looked.

"Well, you have your answer. Now I have some questions of my own"

[alta1r1an]

Thax stares back at August. slight wisps of golden energy trailing across his fur and clothing, leaving behind trails of of light that look like cracked glass. He waves his paw around, breaking some random objects free of the laws of gravity to steel his nerves.

"No, no it would not be right. I don't even know about it being deserved. It would just be... selfish? My selfish desire to see my pain-" He snorts "-reflected on someone else."

He sits himself up. Sighing deeply, and then turns to stare down at August. "I don't know where we're going.. I don't know if I'll be better. But I think enough hurt has been felt, I think it never was about what me or anyone deserved."

He trails off, shrugging. It has been ages since he's shown his image so genuinly, so tired. "We both hurt people, and we both have been kind to. Maybe we owe it to eachother to atleast try."

Thax was laying on the ground next to August, one leg resting on his knee while he swayed a footpaw in the air. He was quiet for a while before suddenly speaking up.

"Sometimes, I want to hurt you like I hurt the others. That's horrible isn't it? You're my friend, understands me better than most. Yet still I want you to understand me through feeling the same pain."

He looks over to August, uncertain and somewhat scared.

Augustus is quiet as he reclines, considering these words from his best friend in the world, alive or dead.

"I might deserve it," he answers rather simply.

He turns and props himself up on an elbow, his long braid falling over his throat and onto the grass, and the typical pink glimmer that masks his eyes' natural color now absent--the eyes that look at Thax are a drab mustard-y yellow.

"I don't think it's right," August says. "I don't think it's fair, either--you know what I've gone through to keep you alive and free. But I'd take it, if you felt it was necessary for where we're going."

[alta1r1an]

It's an assortment of Thax, up to shenanigans. Where is he? what is he doing? probably nothing legal, but atleast he looks cool.

..I should do more with him.

[alta1r1an]

Thax! have you ever gone on vacation? If not, where would you consider going?

The mesmer lazily lounges on his back, resting a leg on his knee and bouncing his paw as he reads from a book that hovers in front of his face. "Vacation? that would imply I am employed anywhere..."

He huffs, closing his book. "No, I never went on vacation. I get around plenty when scavenging around for the things I need. For the Charr I can help... Though the faces I wear can feel like a bit of a vacation from the self sometimes."

"To go somewhere, wearing this face. Just to go and see it... I don't know. Not alone, I am alone enough where I am. Maybe I would go and see how mesmer arts change with distance?"

He shrugs, and with a snap of his finger he disappears in a cloud of ethereal golden shards that scatter with the sounds of a broken mirror. Just a bit further a Charr that does not look like the one that was before you earlier dissapears off into the crowd.

[alta1r1an]

So as a followup to the last exchange, how do you think Thax fares in his first sparring match against Zerek?

Wouldn't dare to say it would be an easy win for Thax! From what I've seen Zerek is a rather formidable mesmer who has strong mastery of a strong part of the mesmer arts.

It is mostly the point of having a more pointed study into technique that gives me the idea that Thax will have a hard time. However, Thax did master his mirror magic basically on pure grit and anger.

So, it comes to a match between raw power borne from years of experimentation and trial and error. That against a teacher who's honed his craft over alot more years than he has had.

What I think the match would come down to is either Thax wins quick on a well placed strike (managing to trap Zerek in one of his mirrors) or either he loses by attrition.

[alta1r1an]

Thax never felt uncomfortable in his disguises, but this might be the first exception.

"Well, currently it's Tavid Duststep. But what is in a name? I've had many, I think you know."

"Who I am however, is more important to your question. Been on the run most of my life, often having done reckless things emotionally. But I've always acted in defense of my beliefs and in defense of those who I felt the legions prosecuted for their gifts"

He sighs, clearly he is a bit nervous. "I may not have always done good. Certainly done things you may not approve of and I will not apologize. But I want to know what it would've been like in the Legions being allowed to be a mesmer."

an unassuming Charr approaches Zerek. If paying attention one could sense a slight emanation of a mesmer enchantment coming from them. It was however subtle enough that it could be mistaken for random exposure.

"you... teach the mesmer arts yes? Do you know anything of mirror magic, know where to find tomes on it maybe? I always wanted to learn in the fahrar but.. the means weren't provided"

Zerek raises an eyebrow at the mysterious charr, but if he suspects anything he doesn't let it show. "I'm… familiar with mirror magic, pioneered by the humans and their dual 'goddess', dealing in the concealment and revealing of the truth. It's more tricksy than I'd prefer, but powerful in the right hands." He pauses for a moment to gauge the charr's reaction before continuing. "The stifling of our magical gifts is tragically common among the charr, so I'm not surprised you may have been denied proper tutelage, however… magic is a gift that can easily be abused. I've seen it happen too many times to be carefree with sharing my knowledge. So, before we discuss anything further, why don't you tell me something about who you are?"

[alta1r1an]

On an opposite note to my previous ask, would any of your charr NOT get along well? Have any of them met and just instantly started fighting?

Raevik and Thax.

Thax with his magic terrorism stuff he does because he feels wronged as a magic user.

And then there's Raevik who is rather loyal to his legion and usually just does jobs dedicated to securing stability for the legions.

Raevik managed to capture and track Thax down once. Poisoned him so that Thax' magic got suppresed. With a last sliver of magic Thax managed to escape through a mirror but injured himself in the process as the mirror shattered while he was passing through.

It did feed mostly into Thax' paranoia even more. Raevik on the other hand is really just annoyed someone got away from him. His later developments lately mean that Raevik might actually think different if he'd encounter him again though

[alta1r1an]

A question about Thax and his mirrors.

Barring himself, as the magic source. If someone else uses his mirrors to illusion themself as another, does that illusion stay on them if they are killed or does it vanish?

I'm going to say yes, as the mirrors are enchanted objects and thus it is moreso the mirror casting the illusion on direction of someone manipulating the mirror.

Thax obviously has some more direct ways of manipulating his mirrors, but for someone using it the mirror will keep projecting the 'caught' disguise until it is dispelled.

The mirror will have to stay on the person for it to keep projecting, disguise vanishes if it is found and removed from them. It also will need someone inside to be the disguise so to speak

[alta1r1an]

Now to turn it back, I'm curious, what would Thax think of my terrible shaman Falx?

oooh this is a fun one

Thax, would initially respect Falx as being a potent magic user in the legions. Then Falx would get to talking and Thax would get annoyed with him real quick.

Then there's the matter of him not acknowledging the priviledge that his sire's status gives him. It would initially be fine, you know good for him? but, based on what Falx would say to Thax I am kind of assuming the general attitude exists enough for Thax to notice. It would hit a nerve and kind of make him seethe.

Additionally, and you'll have to correct me if I'm wrong I am working with what I see from my dash. Thax keeps August as one of his closest friends. Thax would probably join in on that rivalry on August's side and amuse himself with harassing Falx sometimes (not... that August knows of that)

What it comes down to is what goes from initial respect quickly grows into disdain/annoyance at Falx' arrogance. Means Thax might spend his off time messing with Falx' mirror image or messing with him with some impersonations.

That, or he practices his polymorph:housecat spell. It never gets old

[alta1r1an]

I wanna know what Thax thinks of my eldritch revenant Cara Silvertail!

Thax would be incredibly unnerved by the fact that she sees through his disguises. Seeing as they fool just about anyone.

Next to that, he is quite sensitive to aether so he probably senses some of the power that she hides, freaking him out even more. He will most likely keep a few mirrors ready (some for trapping, most for escape) in the case they meet.

He'd love to have tea though, as much as the strong magical power unnerves him he is always ravenous to see more when it comes to magic.

[alta1r1an]

What is Thax gonna tell August when he learns he's attuned to a leyline? (@commanderhorncleaver)

Well, That all depends on what August would think of it aswell.

But, he'd probably try and defend himself. See, he needed this. He didn't feel safe! Yes, he probably hurt his lifespan and yeah there is probably going to be side-effects down the line.

But he is safe! because he is stronger. Or atleast that is what he feels like. He might even ask if August needs him to hide them with his magic.

Genuinly does depend on if August dissaproves or not x3