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mpathicoracle · 2 years ago

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ooookayyyy time to copy/paste my VERY lengthy rant about my TOH Bard oc, Eira Bane. originally sent it to my friend on discord, at the time i didnt realize it was so lengthy oops but hey yknow what. get used to it, yall get to deal with my bs no matter what LOL

first of all, lemme introduce: Harbinger Inferno, and its band members.

Eira Bane (they/them), creator, lead singer and guitarist. Hexside graduate. looks super threatening and intimidating, but they're such a sassy lil shit and is truthfully a massive dweeb.

Eran Thorne (he/him), secondary vocals and guitarist. St. Epiderm's graduate. he and Eira get along very well, are close like siblings but tease the media because celebrity drama likes to make it seem like they're dating. they both find it hilarious and joke about it constantly.

Dartak Heathers, bass guitarist. St. Epiderm's graduate. has a special Bard talent of being able to hear "melodies" for everyone, sorta a synesthesia type gift. he's also a mega dork

Belak Strande, drums. Hexside graduate. he...doesn't talk much, but he's super chill. an amazing cook tho, he enjoys cooking for the other three.

okay now youve met them, time to rant. fuck this is gonna be lengthy i apologize long in advance. n o t mwahaha

Eira's family name is Harbane. They're a very long line of witches, of a lot of different specialities. Primarily, a lot of Harbanes end up having stronger Oracle magic. Eira has an older brother (5 years older and a captain in the Emperor's Coven) and a younger sister (about 10 yrs younger). Eiras father is an Abomination witch, their mother an Oracle, both part of their respective covens. Both of their grandparents, the heads of their family, I haven't exactly decided what magic is their speciality, but they're powerful. Lastly is their great-grandfather, who passed away at 98 when Eira was barely 16; he had dementia, was practically deaf, and partially blind.

The Harbane family line have a very specific magical talent that they're most known for. One ancestor named it the Death Shout, another the Banshee Shriek. Its unknown how the Harbane ancestry got the gift, it's theorized amongst the family members that the Titan gifted it to them, but no one knows for sure. Throughout the generations of Harbanes, each "user" of the Scream, as its simply titled, used it various different ways. The ancestor who had it last called it the Death Shout, due to him having been able to raise the dead with it. That was nearly 800 yrs before Eira was born. The family line never understood why no one had so-called "received" the Scream since then. When Eira was born tho, her cries could crack glass, and their family realized they had the Scream. Their great-grandfather properly named them Eralynne, having once told them their name meant "the one who sings." Which is incredibly ironic. Eira's strongest magic is actually Construction magic, and as they grew older and practiced their Scream, they realized that, depending on the pitch/depth, they could either raise ground with the Scream, or absolutely decimate it. They also learned the hard way not to use the Scream indoors and almost damaged their eardrums once. Woops.

The final thing the Harbane family are known for is the ancient Harbinger Raven Palisman that has been passed down for generations upon generations. A Harbinger Raven is the symbol of their family, and its how they got their name. There's another theory amongst the family that Corva was probably one of the first Palisman ever made. But, again, no one knows for sure. and Corva sure as hell refuses to confirm nor deny it. She's a stubborn thing, but incredibly wise and, honestly, a bit of a smartass.

Harbinger Ravens are, as I decided, an extinct type of raven. One myth is that they were the first ones with Oracle magic, and taught it to the first witches. They were much larger than the average raven, and their key distinction is their oily-black feathers and their piercing, vibrant purple eyes (sclera and all).

Corva looks precisely like that, aside from the fact that she's not that big. Probably the size of a human realm crow, really. still a decent size. Corva, as stated, as been passed down through the Harbane ancestry, choosing on her own whether to take the next owner or not. When Eira was 11, it was meant to be her older brother's turn, his ceremonious ritual amongst the family to see if Corva would choose him. Instead, she eyed Eira almost instantly and flew to her instead. She didn't even give Eira's brother a single glance, not even a side eye. Just flew to Eira, who caught her easily, and cradled herself in the kid's arms. Eira's great-grandfather was the only one amused by it.

Now... there's a reason Eira doesn't go by the family name anymore, instead shortening it (out of spite) to just Bane. this part. is gonna take a while djfjg might switch to my laptop instead o o f

When Eira was maybe 10 or 11, their great-grandfather took them to the market with him, wanting to get them out of the house for a bit. I haven't really decided how they found it, hell it coulda been at Eda's "human collectibles" stand, but either way they found a music cd with a variation of different metal bands from the human realm. They begged their great-grandfather to get it for them, already having a love for music at that age, and he of course agreed and got it for them. When Eira got home and listened to it for the first time, they fell in love. Deep, raw emotion compiled into people screaming into microphones with heavy drums and epic guitars? Absolutely-freaking-yes. The next time they went to the market, they bought their first lute.

Eira's parents and grandparents weren't as understanding as their great-grandfather. They thought Bard magic was pointless, and a waste of talent. They weren't fans of music, not really. So Eira tried their hardest to hide their first lute from them. Sadly their older brother found out, and snitched to their mother... who broke the lute in front of the entire family, with Eira of course present. Eira soon bought another lute, still practicing in secret, and the next time their family found out, they yelled at them that they wanted to be a Bard, that they wanted to make music and that they could learn to incorporate the family Scream into it. They were laughed at and, once again, their lute was broken. It was around this time their great-grandfather slowly began to lose it, dementia setting in. He understood his great-grandchild more than anything, but because he was no longer head of house at this point he couldn't make any decisions about it.

Eira's parents forced them into the Construction track at Hexside after, but that didn't stop Eira from sneaking into the Bard track homeroom and continuing to practice in secret.... the Bard track teachers knew, but they knew enough about Eira's family to not mention it to anyone.

Eira made the decision, at that point, that they didn't give a shit what anyone else wanted them to be. Nothing was going to stop them from being what they wanted to be. No one but them could tell Eira what to do. It was precisely that, that Corva chose them over their brother. Not quite stubbornness, but free-will and a desire to be more than what Corva had experienced with her past owners. Fighters, warriors, generals. All strong-willed, sure, but it was the same old thing time and time again. Corva wanted to feel the true Freedom of such a strong-willed witch such as Eira, and that's exactly what she saw in them.

Like I said, Eira's great-grandfather was the only one who was amused when Corva chose them at age 11, only a year after first discovering metal music. Their grandparents and parents were infuriated, their brother mad and hateful at them after that (he instead got a newer palisman carved, also a raven, but a regular one). Eira's father actually attempted to keep Corva from his kid, locking the palisman up for two straight days...until he got too close and Corva bit his hand, immediately flying back to the grieving kid (they thought they wouldn't see Corva ever again). Their parents didn't attempt that again, but it still made Eira's home life absolute hell. They stopped being close with the rest of their family at this point, keeping on the track of keeping things from them. They didn't leave their room much and lied a lot, saying they "took up an extracurricular with the Illusion track, which is why they were at school so long." Their parents and grandparents didn't question it.

When Eira was 13, roughly at the end of their 8th grade year, they and the other students in their grade at Hexside were given the option to switch tracks, and to start making plans for what coven they wanted to join when they graduated high school. Essentially, the conversation with their family went like this:

(Grandparents:) "You are going to continue the Construction track, or you're out of this family. Decide to join whatever coven you want, but if you even dare think about joining the Bards, you will not be a part of this family."

(Parents:) "Be like your brother. He's going to join the Emperor's Coven. They'll let you do whatever magic you want, our family Scream will be a blessing for the Emperor."

Eira, spiteful as they were, went to Principal Bump the next day and told him that they wanted to switch to the Bard track. They explained what their family will do, but that they didn't care. "They can do whatever the heck they want, but I refuse to let them make my life decisions for me. It's my Scream, it's my choice. And music is what I want," they had said. Something they always lived by. Bump understood, he knew, after knowing Eda Clawthorne, that kids these days were incredibly stubborn but formidable. So he agreed, and switched them to the Bard track. Eira kept it hidden from their brother on their trip home, but as soon as they got home they showed off the Bard track colors, a giant "fuck you" to their family. They were given one full day to pack their things and leave, and they did. It hurt, because they knew they wouldn't be able to see their great-grandfather ever again, but it meant they could do what they wanted.

Eira was, quite frankly, homeless for the next couple weeks, slowly making their way to where the majority of the Bard Coven witches lived, aka Harper's Haven (see my previous post lol). During those couple weeks, Bump had called Eira into his office to show them the official statement from their now ex-family that Eira was legally disowned and legally denied any access to their family records etc etc. They were... well. Let's just say Principal Bump wasn't surprised when things in his office got broken. Eira apologized for it, repeatedly, but he didn't hold it against them. He'd seen worse. They and Bump essentially made an agreement: if Eira could find a suitable place to live and a way to afford continuing learning at Hexside, he wouldn't make them leave the school. He couldn't let them keep learning there for free, school costs money; Eira knew this, of course, and Bump wasn't pleased about it, either, but the agreement was made.

Anyways, when Eira got to Harper's Haven, they wanted to be as close to the Bard Coven hq as possible, so they, a 14-year-old, walked into the Harper's Haven Hotel (Triple H), and immediately demanded to speak to the owner to ask about room and board, along with a job. They were raised rich, so their tone was all high-and-mighty, so the associate had quickly got the owner, Caric Thorne, a Construction witch.

After Eira explained their situation, Caric was incredibly sympathetic. It wasn't abnormal for high schoolers to get jobs (i.e. canonically Amity and the library job), so he wasn't against the idea. What he was against was that Eira was demanding a full-time job, something he couldn't allow a minor to have. Caric was relatively wealthy, though, having built Triple H from the ground up (literally), so he could vouch on Eira's behalf and partially pay for their schooling, which Eira begrudgingly accepted. Caric, Eira, and Bump made a deal: if Eira could keep their grades up, while also showing up to work on time and proving they can balance both school and work at "such a young age," there would be no issues with them doing both. And proved that to them, Eira did.

also cough at Caric's surname and Eran's surname lol

Now I would like to note a funfact: Eira is only 11 years younger than Raine and the rest of the canon adults (they're all in their early 40s). When Eira's 14, Raine wouldve only been in their mid-to-late 20s sdjghdg. ngl when Eira's 14 Raine and Eda would've only been broken up for a few years canonically. o o f the realization at that safgsjkgb

fast forward a couple yrs and Eira is still proving themself to both work and school. They ended up getting a loaner guitar from the Bard track, so they could practice outside of school. They found an empty space a couple miles outside of town, and made it their practice area, using construction magic to make their own stage and everything. They had gotten pretty damn good at playing guitar by the time they were 16, having learned the bass and drums as well. A straight-A student as well, and always on-time to work (considering they went to work as soon as school was done). Relatively easy when they live at the hotel, too, but still.

Not long after Eira's 16th birthday was the first covention they would've been able to attend, the first time they woulda been able to prove themself to the Bard Coven that their Scream could be incorporated into bard magic. But...alas...work got in the way. It was a busy week at Triple H, a Bard Coven concert just around the corner or something along those lines. So, instead of being able to attend, Eira wrote a letter and sent Corva off to deliver it to the coven head at the time, Scooter Crane.

the letter went as follows (mostly came up with this on the spot, but the concept of it has been sitting in my brain for a while):

"Head Witch Crane,

My name is Eira Bane, formerly Eralynne Harbane. I am 16 years old, and I inherited my family's infamous Scream. My family fully legally disowned me at age 13 when I told them I was going to be a Bard Witch whether they liked it or not. As proof I am who I say I am, I have sent my Palisman, Corva, as proof. She is, you'll recognize, a Harbinger Raven, and can tell you herself that I am who I say I am.

I, alas, cannot attend the covention due to work conflicts. Because I was kicked out of my family, I have had no choice but to work, along with attending school. I, at present, work at Harper's Haven Hotel, proudly and happily, in exchange for room and board. You may ask Mr. Caric Thorne about my work performance, and you may also ask Principal Bump for my school records.

I have wanted to be a musician since I was 10 years old. I have learned to play lute, guitar, bass, drums, and, of course, I can sing, since then. I have practiced using my family Scream and incorporating it into Bard magic, something no one in my family ancestry has ever done. I would be proud and incredibly glad to be accepted into the Bard Coven when I graduate from Hexside, if you'll allow me. However, there is one exception: I cannot be branded with the sigil. Because no one knows what power the Scream originates from, I cannot risk being branded with the Bard sigil, in the chance that I would no longer be able to use it with Bard magic.

I am more than willing to prove to you that the Scream can be tied into Bard magic, just tell me the time and place. Well... the place will have to be outdoors, naturally. If you accept this, you know where to find me.

-Eira Bane"

A few days later, during one of Eira's work shifts, Crane actually did send someone from the Bard coven to investigate...and who better than Raine Whispers themself. bc im seriously super self-indulgent and i love raine with all my heart asgfghjksghjkh

Just gonna summarize at this point, the two had a very long conversation...all while Eira, stubbornly, kept working. They weren't going to just stop working just to answer basic interview questions. The entire time, Raine was very deeply reminded of Eda. Both Eda and Eira were so incredibly stubborn, but very free-willed and, essentially, wild. It got Raine very intrigued into Eira's situation. By the end of Eira's shift, Raine had convinced Eira to show them were they practice, and Eira relented. While Eira was preparing in their room, Raine had contacted Crane and told him where to go, as a surprise to Eira. They wanted to prove themself to Crane, so what better time to do it?

At this point in Eira's life, they had made their first ever song, having recorded it both at school (instrumentals) and at their practice area (vocals). So when they brought Raine there, (they knew Crane was there, too, but didn't want to say anything as a joke at Raine, who was seriously not subtle about it), they set up everything but the central vocals and lead guitar, their strongest points. And perform they did-

https://youtu.be/dGl2qh7RXak (they use the Scream at 2:42 "You don't know me it's only what I let you see" not sure how to describe what it looked like, but just. yea. And yes, their vocal range is pretty wide. cuz why tf not djfjkdghk.)

Head Witch Crane was impressed with the performance, and another deal with Eira was made (behind raine's back, because raine was getting involved with it whether they liked it or not). If Eira could make a band by the time they graduate from school, and can further enhance their Scream into Bard magic, with training from a certain Bard Coven Witch cough Raine cough, then Crane would consider allowing Eira to be a Bard Coven Witch without the sigil. "I heard Caric's boy is wanting to join the Bard Coven as well, perhaps you should meet with him?" Crane had suggested, and, being the stubborn shit they were, Eira begrudgingly agreed.

By the end of their senior year, Eira had become close friends with Eran, who introduced them to Dartak, and Eira had found out Belak, who was in their grade at Hexside, was also into metal/hard rock, and was an incredible drummer. The group formulated the Harbinger Inferno, proudly using Corva as their mascot (who absolutely loved the idea and became an "integral" part of their band and performances). Eira explained how spiteful they were to their family, and the 3 boys immediately agreed to join in on the spite. By their Coven initiation, they had practically made an entire album setlist. I like to picture the Bard Coven initiation as a sort of talent show. They performed "True Colors", the first and best selling song. During the past year and a half, almost 2 years, Raine had officially become Eira's mentor, and was incredibly proud of Eira's band. Won't ever admit it to anyone, but still. Eira was their protégé, and proudly admits it any time they get the chance to. Scooter Crane was, again, greatly impressed by their progress and held up their end of the deal. Eira became the first and only Bard Coven witch to not have the sigil, instead having a formal pin that they keep on them at all times, something they're incredibly proud of. Not having the sigil meant they could be even more of a performer by incorporating other types of magic (mostly illusion magic) as well. Because they just have to be a show off.

Harbinger Inferno became famous, essentially. Got investigated by the Emperor's Coven a handful of times due to certain subjects of their songs, but they didn't get in any real trouble. They were sponsored by the Bard Coven after all. even more kudos to them when Raine became Head Witch for, like, a month or two.

Eira was hurt (emotionally) badly when the Day of Unity happened. They didn't have the sigil, they had to watch as their closest friends and fatherly figure Caric were being drained of their magic and actually hurt. When it ended, though, and the Collector took over the land, Harper's Haven was one of the first places that got hit. Luuuckily Eira was ready to kick some ass. They and their band, along with a handful of other witches, herded as many people as they could into the Bard Coven Center and Triple H to keep them safe. In the months that followed, Dartak had gotten Collected in the process of saving a group of stragglers. Thaaat def made Eira lose their shit. Fuck, they practically led an army of Bards and Construction witches after that, keeping Harper's Haven as safe as they possibly could. Even more so when belos took over the Titan's Heart and corrupted the land. Damn did their Scream come in handy. Then again, Eira learned from Raine how to use soundwaves as a way to manipulate surroundings, def comes in handy with the Scream. During that time, though Caric attempted to save a kid from some rubble, but because of his more elderly age and how weak he still was from the Draining Spell, he...didn't make it.

When everything was over, Harbinger Inferno led the effort in helping rebuild Harper's Haven...which really didn't take all too long. Triple H became a center for temporarily housing Harper's Haven's citizens. It was only a couple weeks after that Eira came up with the idea about the charity concert. And it gave them a good reason to get their grief out of their system by making the clearing they made as a teenager a lot bigger. r i p the trees lmao.

Anyways, by that point they're only 29 years old (roughly estimated Eda and Raine are 40. They def accomplished a fuckton of shit since they graduated from Hexside. and they like to rub it in Raine's face. a lot. "awwww Raine aren't you just so prooud of me, your protégé? heeeee" kinda shit. theyre an ass to raine at times and its totally worth it. Eira's "boys" - as they labeled Eran, Dartak and Belak - love playing along with it, too.

and if anyones curious, Eira used Corva to track down every single Bard witch possible to gather them for the first Bard Collective Charity Concert. Corva was ecstatic to track people down, she loves tracking. One of the Harbane ancestors had used her Oracle talents for the exact same thing. It's very fun, and incredibly freeing.

Bonus pics: Eira when they were younger!

Eira (Eralynne), age 13 (she/her)

Eira, age 14-17 (they/she)

Eira, age 18 (after joining the Bard Coven) (they/them)

Also more bonus, Harbinger Inferno's first album cover (which i just realized has an error and im gonna lose my shit) and the first album's songs (with listed credit for the actual bands who sing the songs lol) (peep the "Sponsored by the Bard Coven" in the bottom left corner lol)

"Now Let Them Tremble" (All That Remains) (all sing) "True Colors" (Wage War) (sung by Eira, Scream used) "Obey" (Bring Me The Horizon) (sung by Eira and Eran) (yes this song can be seen as a play at the emperor's coven bc thats exactly what its intended as heehee) "Pass The Nirvana" (Pierce The Veil) (sung by Eira, Scream can be used but not always) "Stitch" (Wage War) (sung by Eira) "Blood Runs Cold" (Rain City Drive) (sung by Eira) "Blood & Water" (Memphis May Fire) (sung by Eira, Scream used) "When Everything Means Nothing" (Fit For A King) (sung by Eran) "Ophelia" (Rain City Drive) (sung by Eran) "Bulls in the Bronx Hills" (Pierce The Veil) (sung by Eira, one of their most famous songs. partially renamed for Reasons)

please lemme know if u wanna know more about Eira and the band, i love them and owl house has given me such MASSIVE brainrot that theyre all i can focus on asgfsjghdjkghk h e l p