» SHORT DESCRIPTION: determined, tormented, kind, mysterious » INFLUENTIAL EVENTS:
A MOTHER'S BETRAYAL. As a child, Vanessa caught her mother and Sir Malcom Murray (the father of her best friend) in an 'indiscretion'. Though Vanessa never revealed this moment to anyone it would inadvertently set into action the beginning of the rest of her life. Whilst Vanessa was a sweet and kind girl this act opened herself up to the darkness of the world, with her secretly enjoying what she had seen. Vanessa begins to feel bitterness towards Mina, her best friend, for the wealth that her family possesses, even going so far as to steal from her. It isn't until Vanessa is older that the effects of her mother's act really take effect and begin to affect (damage) her life but also the lives of the people that surround her.
BETRAYING MINA. As an adult, Mina and Vanessa are still incredibly close with Vanessa being set to one day marry Mina's brother, Peter. That day ends up never coming. With Mina engaged Vanessa feels jealous towards her best friend as Mina has found love, worried that she'll move far away once married. The jealousy causes Vanessa to act out of turn, kissing Peter in hopes of her own romance, though he rejects her advances. Whilst Vanessa attempts to brush it off, attending Mina's engagement party, those emotions sit in the back of mind. The jealousy and hurt that Vanessa feels causes her to act impulsively, seducing Mina's fiance in hopes of preventing the wedding. Caught in the act by Mina the engagement is broken off but Mina also ends her friendship with Vanessa, leading to Mina moving away, as well as Vanessa "falling ill", really becoming possessed by a demon. The effects of this action caused Vanessa to feel intense guilt, regretting her actions but also how the consequences affected Mina afterwards. With Mina moving away she succumbs to the influence of a vampire, something that Vanessa feels that she caused. The event led Vanessa to experience the first real pain and loss in her life, feeling the heavy burden of the guilt that her actions caused. The events following, particularly her possession, cause a once vibrant and life-loving Vanessa to act more cautiously, seeming to others mysterious, when in fact she's more closed off to others attentions.
THE CUT-WIFE. Following her possession, and seeing a vision of Mina, Vanessa had many questions about who (what) she was and whether she could understand herself to be able to help Mina. Hearing about the Cut-Wife, Joan Clayton, Vanessa hoped that the woman could help to answer these questions. It came with a struggle, and only through Vanessa proving her determination and power did Joan agree to help Vanessa. She was tutored in many things, including survival and being able to use her powers, though for Vanessa it came with one goal -- helping Mina. Joan believed this to be selfish, with Vanessa only thinking of herself, wanting to right the wrong she'd inflicted upon Mina but Vanessa was adamant that she had to do this, to save her friend, and relieve her guilt.
Though Joan was sometimes cruel Vanessa cared for her, viewing her as a friend as well as a mentor, and helped her through her illness. When the nightcomers first came, and the townsfolk threatened her, Vanessa stood by her, trying to defend her and even save her life. When Joan was killed Vanessa was spared despite her association but was branded, instilling a hatred of the people that had committed these acts. Vanessa's leaving was in two parts -- a plan that she'd already committed herself to but a removal of herself from a place that she now wished to forget, taking with her the memory and knowledge that Joan had given to her.
When Vanessa's life is later threatened she returns to the home that Joan had bequeathed to her, viewing it as her only place of sanctuary. It is here that she is reminded of the cruel acts that were committed against Joan and herself, reminding her of the pain that she'd suffered here and her hatred. Though warned against the act Vanessa, filled with a darkness and need for revenge, uses her magic to cause the death of the person who had been responsible for Joan's death. Whilst Vanessa knows that this act will forever mark her she accepts that consequence, showing that she will do whatever it takes in protection or avenging of someone she cares for. Though Vanessa is kind, having cared for her friend, and tries to be a good person (using her magic only for protection) this shows that she is not above succumbing to the darker aspects of her personality, making the rash decision to murder. Though Vanessa would claim that she did this to avenge Joan's death, an act of compassion for her friend, it was done with great anger and was something that Vanessa could have stopped herself from doing. It is the one time that Vanessa has used her abilities for such a thing, treading carefully to remain on the lighter side -- dark magic attracts the devil, turning a daywalker to a nightcomer.
DRACULA. Since betraying Mina and seeing a vision of her where Mina calls for help Vanessa has been driven to finding her friend and saving her. This caused her to return to Sir Malcolm Murray, pleading audience with him knowing that she wasn't welcome. Through a shared goal, and Vanessa being a means to an end, they work together to rescue Mina. Vanessa feels immensely guilty over what has happened to Mina, believing that it is her actions that have caused this, that her hands are covered in blood and loss. Whilst Vanessa claims that she is not looking for absolution she does hope to get her friend back, wishing for things to be as they once were.
When they discover that Mina has been taken by a vampire, though they have yet to know his name, though it becomes revealed that he took Mina in order to draw Vanessa out, his true goal. Against all hope and odds, Vanessa struggling to figure out what has befallen them, Vanessa's abilities eventually lead them to Mina. Though Vanessa loves Mina, wanting to save her, she had written once that she knows that perhaps Mina cannot be saved, stating that her love for her friend was so great that she would be willing to kill her to free her. Although Vanessa isn't the one that kills Mina she is freed from the vampires grasp and, to their belief, the event is resolved. Though saddened by the death of her friend Vanessa feels some relief that her friend is at peace, though the guilt that she feels surrounding Mina's fate only intensifies. Vanessa feels that her actions caused Mina to leave, causing her to fall under the vampire's control thus being hurt and dying, and refuses to allow anyone else to shoulder that burden. Her guilt is her demon, and Vanessa believes herself cursed.
LUCIFER. Vanessa's path was set out for her in a prophecy, the coming together of Amun Ra and Amunet, with Lucifer believing Vanessa to be the reincarnation of Amunet. It has led to Vanessa being hunted in her adult life, with Lucifer trying to tempt Vanessa during her possession, and even sending his witches (nightcomers) after her during her time with the Cut-Wife. The nightcomers are the one thing that makes Vanessa truly afraid, with it being remarked on as strange considering she'd stared down vampiric threats. The nightcomers represent a part of Vanessa's past that she wishes to forget and a side of her magic that is incredibly dangerous. Though afraid of the nightcomers Vanessa refused to retreat from them, finding strength from those that were close to her. She refused back down, even when afraid, and instead used this fear to spur her on, to overcome the monster that was hunting her.
With threat after threat, the nightcomers breaching Vanessa's sanctity of home and prayer, leads Vanessa to feel paranoid and unsafe, fearing her friends don't trust her beliefs. It is only when the nightcomers have taken Sir Malcolm Murray that she takes the fight to them, resolved in her efforts. She won't let Lucifer have her but she won't let her friends be hurt even more. It is here that Lucifer finally reveals himself and his plan to her, offering Vanessa peace for her soul. It upsets her, seeing the peace that she could have, and Vanessa remarks that Lucifer is very cruel. Despite being possibly tempted with the life shown, the freedom to be with the man that she lives, Vanessa rejects it. She could never love someone so cruel nor allow herself to be used for evil, being a good person at heart despite her past sins. Vanessa's will proves to be stronger than Lucifer's as she exorcises him, sending him back to Hell. The fact that Vanessa went into the nightcomers lair, at night when they are strongest, and was able to defeat Lucifer shows her determination to protect herself and others and again highlights that when the people she cares for are in trouble she will do anything for them.
Though defeating Lucifer should have been a major victory it instead ends with loss -- the loss of a friend who was killed, the loss of her faith as Vanessa begins to question whether God listens to her prayers, and the loss of her love after Ethan Chandler leaves to battle his own demons. Given that Vanessa has been assaulted and brutalized by the actions in her life for so long she is exhausted, and with no one around she doesn't fight to prevent her depression from taking hold. For once in her life, she is admitting defeat, a stark contrast to the usual determination and vibrancy that is seen in Vanessa.
» FIT:
Being from the Victorian era Vanessa will find it difficult to settle in at first with the technology and amenities far more advanced than anything she knows. She'll likely not use the network for a long period, certainly not until someone's taught her how to use the device, and likely infrequently then. As she is very intuitive picking up new things will come quicker to her than expected but nothing will be instant. Regarding darker themes/a horror tone of the game Vanessa's life is filled with darkness and she feels that she has known more cruelty and loss than kindness. Though it always strikes a deep blow at her she has yet to give up. Despite the danger of the demimonde Vanessa, with her life entwined in it, explored the supernatural in search of answers, and will want to do the same here.
» POWERS:
DAYWALKER. As a daywalker (a witch) Vanessa is able to divine past, present and future events, practising this most often through the use of tarot cards, or psychometry, shown reading someone's past through touch. Vanessa is also clairvoyant, highly intuitive and is able to commune with spirits. She is also fluent in the Verbis Diablo, though due to its darker power only uses it when necessary, and has been taught how to use apotropaic magic. MEDIUMSHIP. In addition to divination, Vanessa is able to channel spirits and supernatural beings, with Vanessa having previously been host to very powerful spirits (and even possessed by Amunet and Lucifer). HERBALISM. Vanessa is knowledgeable in plants and their properties, both healing and harmful when applied to the human body. OCCULT. In addition to her own abilities, Vanessa is knowledgeable about other aspects of the occult, including the supernatural, the demimonde, and the darker aspects of the occult (such as practised by the nightcomers). APOTROPAIC MAGIC. A type of magic used to turn away harm/evil, Vanessa is knowledgeable in protective enchantments/wards and on numerous occasions has created wards using her personal totem (a scorpion). The wards created by Joan Clayton prevented access to her property by anyone that was not human, preventing Vanessa's entry until granted entry, and preventing the entry of the nightcomers. VERBIS DIABLO. The language of the devil, Vanessa has most frequently used it to repel attacks, using a spell to banish evil, exorcise the devil (and send him back to Hell), and cast a protection spell. Vanessa, reading only from a book, has also used it to cast a spell causing someone's death. LONGEVITY. Daywalkers can live significantly longer than humans, with Joan Clayton having been over two hundred years old before she died. MARKSMAN. Despite never previously having been taught Vanessa is very skilled in using a firearm, able to shoot from a distance and shoot moving targets with great accuracy.
( NETWORK ) ( it takes a while for vanessa to get the message up. though she can read she's never seen anything like the device before and has no idea where to begin with it. thankfully, after a few mentions of it that earn some confusion, someone shows her how to use it. though vanessa gets a message typed out coming back to respond to it might be something else )
( username : v.ives ) Have you found anything in this place that is familiar to you? It is strange to me, this building, the people here, these devices. Would you have believed this possible if we were not here?
PLAYER Player name: Kerry Contact: skitties @ plurk Characters currently in-game:
CHARACTER Character Name: Vanessa Ives Character Age: 31 Canon: Penny Dreadful Canon Point: 303 Good and Evil Braided Be World Description: History:link! Personality:
The thing that defines Vanessa most is her faith and her beliefs. Her relationship with God is something that guides many of Vanessa's actions, and despite being hunted by both Lucifer and Dracula she clings to her faith. It helps her to believe the best in a person or situation, gives her hope that things will be alright and that the people she cares for will be safe. Although there are times when Vanessa believes that God has failed her, claiming that when she needed God most at two points in her life God had turned His back on her, Vanessa continually returns to her faith, and when Vanessa dies she, for the first time, feels at peace, claiming to see God.
As well as Vanessa's belief in God she also has strong beliefs in the people she surrounds herself with, calling them her family and trusting them with the darkest parts of herself. Most people would turn and run at the demimonde, the half-life between what people know and what people fear, and after inviting Ethan Chandler into that life Vanessa gave him the opportunity to leave, though she hoped that he wouldn't. Even before it was known that the trouble surrounding their lives was centred on Vanessa, with her being the target of Dracula and the devil, Vanessa strongly believed in the abilities of Ethan and Malcolm Murray to keep their group safe and to bring Mina, Malcolm's daughter and her best friend, home safe. Vanessa trusts them with her life and her secrets, entrusting them with the knowledge that no one else will ever know. Vanessa is also a quick judge of character, partly aided by abilities, and was able to correctly judge that Ethan could be trusted with their secrets, later giving that same trust to Dr Seward and Catriona Hartdegen.
Without that trust, Vanessa keeps her secrets highly guarded, though really it's a protection for both herself and for others. Though her manner can be playful, most notably with friends, her general interactions are often as if she has taken one step backwards, giving all appearances of being a socially acceptable lady. Whilst Dorian Gray remarked that is made Vanessa seem mysterious, drawing her to him, Vanessa rarely allows her true self to be known by others, and after Ethan and Malcolm had left Vanessa felt lost and alone, with no one else to turn to. Vanessa would admit that her life is dangerous, and not only that but she herself is dangerous. There is a darkness surrounding her, something that Vanessa calls a curse, and by keeping herself hidden away protects others by allowing their lives to remain free of such a burden. On first meeting, Dr Seward remarks that Vanessa isolates her and keeps people away in the belief that she is happiest alone, though then points out that Vanessa knows that she really isn't, that it's just guilt. As Vanessa keeps these large walls up it surprises her, and even hurts her, to be picked apart so easily.
Despite her guard, Vanessa is friendly and incredibly polite. She follows all of the social graces expected in her time, despite finding them tedious, though on occasion will push the boundaries on what is socially acceptable for her position, such as attending Dorian's gala unescorted. To her friends, she is incredibly loyal and caring and will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety and protection. After Mina had been taken by Dracula Vanessa delved into a different world to try to reach and rescue her, risking her own life for Mina's. Though the nightcomers were Vanessa's problem, as she was their real target, Vanessa went alone into their fortress to rescue Malcolm, whom had been taken by them, even knowing that it was a foolish endeavour. Vanessa doesn't just risk her life without regard, however, and only does so when she believes it is the only option and that there is a chance of obtaining her goal. Vanessa not only cares for her friend's lives but also their happiness, advising Victor Frankenstein on matters of the heart, and giving John Clare advice regarding doing what would make him happy. Vanessa is kind to others around her regardless of whether she knows them. While most shunned John Clare for his appearance Vanessa saw only a man, and in fact once called him the most human man that she'd ever met, enjoying his company despite only just meeting him.
However, though Vanessa is kind she is not above giving in to her impulses and her darker nature. Spurred by hatred of the man who had killed her mentor Vanessa sought revenge on him, using dark magic which caused his death. Though Vanessa would claim that she did this to avenge Joan's death, an act of compassion for her friend, it was done with great anger and was something that Vanessa could have stopped herself from doing. It is the one time that Vanessa has used her abilities for such a thing, treading carefully to remain on the lighter side -- dark magic attracts the devil, turning a daywalker to a nightcomer. Vanessa, knowing that she is hunted, has been careful to never use the Verbis Diablo, or use her magic for such things.
Vanessa is also highly determined, and perhaps even stubborn. If there is something that she wants, particularly if Vanessa feels guilty (such as regarding Mina's fate) Vanessa will do whatever it takes to try and put it right, refusing to accept that there is nothing that can be done. Vanessa's determination has also been shown regarding her personal desires such as when she first met the cut-wife Joan Clayton, a daywalker whom would mentor Vanessa regarding her own newly found abilities. After Joan initially refused Vanessa entry she remained outside the entry, attempting to pass the wards that refused her passage, refusing to turn and leave. Vanessa needed Joan's help, feeling lost, defeated, and in need of help. After days of remaining outside Joan's home the cut-wife finally met with her, though Vanessa still had to fight to get Joan to help her. She wasn't a silly girl but someone in need of help, and in this case being possessed by the devil was true, something that Vanessa needed to make Joan believe.
Her bravery in the face of danger, hunting vampire and facing demons, has helped her to find the truth behind the darkness surrounding their lives, with Vanessa's unique abilities guiding their steps. She doesn't back down, even when she is afraid, and instead uses this fear to spur her on, to overcome the monster that is hunting her. Vanessa is not afraid to admit to when things scare her or when she doesn't know something, and though it can be frustrating she takes comfort and strength from those that Vanessa surrounds herself with. Their strength helps to keep her brave, to travel the uncharted waters, even when the easiest solution would be to give in or run away. When they discovered why Vanessa was being hunted by Lucifer she remained brave throughout, refusing him and using her faith in God, and her belief in herself, in order to send him back to Hell. When faced with Dracula Vanessa fought to refuse him, though defeated she found this fight tougher. Whilst Vanessa did appear to agree to him, allowing him to bite her (and bringing upon the apocalypse) she did so with a plan -- Vanessa knew that Ethan was returning, the man whom was Dracula's one weakness, and believed that he could stop this. She had been told previously that they would not stop hunting her whilst she lived and knew, as she would have done for Mina, that he would do what was necessary to protect everyone else. Vanessa's choice to die, to put everyone else's survival above her own, was her bravest act and the one moment that she allowed her to find peace.
DAYWALKER. As a daywalker (a witch) Vanessa is able to divine past, present and future events, practising this most often through the use of tarot cards, or psychometry, shown reading someone's past through touch. Vanessa is also clairvoyant, highly intuitive and is able to commune with spirits. She is also fluent in the Verbis Diablo, though due to its darker power only uses it when necessary, and has been taught how to use apotropaic magic. MEDIUMSHIP. In addition to divination Vanessa is able to channel spirits and supernatural beings, with Vanessa having previously been host to very powerful spirits (and even possessed by Amunet and Lucifer). HERBALISM. Vanessa is knowledgeable in plants and their properties, both healing and harmful when applied to the human body. OCCULT. In addition to her own abilities, Vanessa is knowledgeable about other aspects of the occult, including the supernatural, the demimonde, and the darker aspects of the occult (such as practised by the nightcomers). APOTROPAIC MAGIC. A type of magic used to turn away harm/evil, Vanessa is knowledgeable in protective enchantments/wards and on numerous occasions has created wards using her personal totem (a scorpion). The wards created by Joan Clayton prevented access to her property by anyone that was not human, preventing Vanessa's entry until granted entry, and preventing the entry of the nightcomers. VERBIS DIABLO. The language of the devil, Vanessa has most frequently used it to repel attacks, using a spell to banish evil, exorcise the devil (and send him back to Hell), and cast a protection spell. Vanessa, reading only from a book, has also used it to cast a spell causing someone's death. LONGEVITY. Daywalkers can live significantly longer than humans, with Joan Clayton having been over two hundred years old before she died. MARKSMAN. Despite never previously having been taught Vanessa is very skilled in using a firearm, able to shoot from a distance and shoot moving targets with great accuracy.
Flaws:
SINNER. Vanessa has committed many sins both large and small. The worst of these sins include murder and the betrayal of her best friend, Mina Murray, by seducing her fiance. PERSONALITY. Vanessa is incredibly stubborn and impulsive in the heat of the moment. Whilst she isn't outright malicious or cruel she has been hardened by the pain and suffering that she has endured, and when feeling attacked or pressed will often lash out, even at those she cares about. MOTHER OF ALL EVIL. Hunted throughout her life by both Dracula and Lucifer Vanessa's destiny is to become the Mother of All Evil, inciting the end of days should she choose to side with either of the brothers. Whilst Vanessa fights against this, refusing to submit to them, chaos follows her as they seek her out.
The thing that defines Vanessa most is her faith and her beliefs. Her relationship with God is something that guides many of Vanessa's actions, and despite being hunted by both Lucifer and Dracula she clings to her faith. It helps her to believe the best in a person or situation, gives her hope that things will be alright and that the people she cares for will be safe. Although there are times when Vanessa believes that God has failed her, claiming that when she needed God most at two points in her life God had turned His back on her, Vanessa continually returns to her faith, and when Vanessa dies she, for the first time, feels at peace, claiming to see God.
As well as Vanessa's belief in God she also has strong beliefs in the people she surrounds herself with, calling them her family and trusting them with the darkest parts of herself. Most people would turn and run at the demimonde, the half-life between what people know and what people fear, and after inviting Ethan Chandler into that life Vanessa gave him the opportunity to leave, though she hoped that he wouldn't. Even before it was known that the trouble surrounding their lives was centred on Vanessa, with her being the target of Dracula and the devil, Vanessa strongly believed in the abilities of Ethan and Malcolm Murray to keep their group safe and to bring Mina, Malcolm's daughter and her best friend, home safe. Vanessa trusts them with her life and her secrets, entrusting them with the knowledge that no one else will ever know. Vanessa is also a quick judge of character, partly aided by abilities, and was able to correctly judge that Ethan could be trusted with their secrets, later giving that same trust to Dr Seward and Catriona Hartdegen.
Without that trust, Vanessa keeps her secrets highly guarded, though really it's a protection for both herself and for others. Though her manner can be playful, most notably with friends, her general interactions are often as if she has taken one step backwards, giving all appearances of being a socially acceptable lady. Whilst Dorian Gray remarked that is made Vanessa seem mysterious, drawing her to him, Vanessa rarely allows her true self to be known by others, and after Ethan and Malcolm had left Vanessa felt lost and alone, with no one else to turn to. Vanessa would admit that her life is dangerous, and not only that but she herself is dangerous. There is a darkness surrounding her, something that Vanessa calls a curse, and by keeping herself hidden away protects others by allowing their lives to remain free of such a burden. On first meeting, Dr Seward remarks that Vanessa isolates her and keeps people away in the belief that she is happiest alone, though then points out that Vanessa knows that she really isn't, that it's just guilt. As Vanessa keeps these large walls up it surprises her, and even hurts her, to be picked apart so easily.
Despite her guard, Vanessa is friendly and incredibly polite. She follows all of the social graces expected in her time, despite finding them tedious, though on occasion will push the boundaries on what is socially acceptable for her position, such as attending Dorian's gala unescorted. To her friends, she is incredibly loyal and caring and will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety and protection. After Mina had been taken by Dracula Vanessa delved into a different world to try to reach and rescue her, risking her own life for Mina's. Though the nightcomers were Vanessa's problem, as she was their real target, Vanessa went alone into their fortress to rescue Malcolm, whom had been taken by them, even knowing that it was a foolish endeavour. Vanessa doesn't just risk her life without regard, however, and only does so when she believes it is the only option and that there is a chance of obtaining her goal. Vanessa not only cares for her friend's lives but also their happiness, advising Victor Frankenstein on matters of the heart, and giving John Clare advice regarding doing what would make him happy. Vanessa is kind to others around her regardless of whether she knows them. While most shunned John Clare for his appearance Vanessa saw only a man, and in fact once called him the most human man that she'd ever met, enjoying his company despite only just meeting him.
However, though Vanessa is kind she is not above giving in to her impulses and her darker nature. Spurred by hatred of the man who had killed her mentor Vanessa sought revenge on him, using dark magic which caused his death. Though Vanessa would claim that she did this to avenge Joan's death, an act of compassion for her friend, it was done with great anger and was something that Vanessa could have stopped herself from doing. It is the one time that Vanessa has used her abilities for such a thing, treading carefully to remain on the lighter side -- dark magic attracts the devil, turning a daywalker to a nightcomer. Vanessa, knowing that she is hunted, has been careful to never use the Verbis Diablo, or use her magic for such things.
Vanessa is also highly determined, and perhaps even stubborn. If there is something that she wants, particularly if Vanessa feels guilty (such as regarding Mina's fate) Vanessa will do whatever it takes to try and put it right, refusing to accept that there is nothing that can be done. Vanessa's determination has also been shown regarding her personal desires such as when she first met the cut-wife Joan Clayton, a daywalker whom would mentor Vanessa regarding her own newly found abilities. After Joan initially refused Vanessa entry she remained outside the entry, attempting to pass the wards that refused her passage, refusing to turn and leave. Vanessa needed Joan's help, feeling lost, defeated, and in need of help. After days of remaining outside Joan's home the cut-wife finally met with her, though Vanessa still had to fight to get Joan to help her. She wasn't a silly girl but someone in need of help, and in this case being possessed by the devil was true, something that Vanessa needed to make Joan believe.
Her bravery in the face of danger, hunting vampire and facing demons, has helped her to find the truth behind the darkness surrounding their lives, with Vanessa's unique abilities guiding their steps. She doesn't back down, even when she is afraid, and instead uses this fear to spur her on, to overcome the monster that is hunting her. Vanessa is not afraid to admit to when things scare her or when she doesn't know something, and though it can be frustrating she takes comfort and strength from those that Vanessa surrounds herself with. Their strength helps to keep her brave, to travel the uncharted waters, even when the easiest solution would be to give in or run away. When they discovered why Vanessa was being hunted by Lucifer she remained brave throughout, refusing him and using her faith in God, and her belief in herself, in order to send him back to Hell. When faced with Dracula Vanessa fought to refuse him, though defeated she found this fight tougher. Whilst Vanessa did appear to agree to him, allowing him to bite her (and bringing upon the apocalypse) she did so with a plan -- Vanessa knew that Ethan was returning, the man whom was Dracula's one weakness, and believed that he could stop this. She had been told previously that they would not stop hunting her whilst she lived and knew, as she would have done for Mina, that he would do what was necessary to protect everyone else. Vanessa's choice to die, to put everyone else's survival above her own, was her bravest act and the one moment that she allowed her to find peace.
DAYWALKER. As a daywalker (a witch) Vanessa is able to divine past, present and future events, practising this most often through the use of tarot cards, or psychometry, shown reading someone's past through touch. Vanessa is also clairvoyant, highly intuitive and is able to commune with spirits. She is also fluent in the Verbis Diablo, though due to its darker power only uses it when necessary, and has been taught how to use apotropaic magic. Vanessa is still, by human standards, intuitive even without her magic or ability to divine events. As she practices tarot Vanessa would still be able to read the cards they would simply be less accurate without her ability to see events. MEDIUMSHIP. In addition to divination Vanessa is able to channel spirits and supernatural beings, with Vanessa having previously been host to very powerful spirits (and even possessed by Amunet and Lucifer). HERBALISM. Vanessa is knowledgeable in plants and their properties, both healing and harmful when applied to the human body. OCCULT. In addition to her own abilities, Vanessa is knowledgeable about other aspects of the occult, including the supernatural, the demimonde, and the darker aspects of the occult (such as practised by the nightcomers). APOTROPAIC MAGIC. A type of magic used to turn away harm/evil, Vanessa is knowledgeable in protective enchantments/wards and on numerous occasions has created wards using her personal totem (a scorpion). The wards created by Joan Clayton prevented access to her property by anyone that was not human, preventing Vanessa's entry until granted entry, and preventing the entry of the nightcomers. Whilst any enchantments/wards that Vanessa created would no longer contain any magic/power she would still retain the knowledge of them. VERBIS DIABLO. The language of the devil, Vanessa has most frequently used it to repel attacks, using a spell to banish evil, exorcise the devil (and send him back to Hell), and cast a protection spell. Vanessa, reading only from a book, has also used it to cast a spell causing someone's death. Whilst it would not be able to do anything (spells/banishment) Vanessa would still know the language. LONGEVITY. Daywalkers can live significantly longer than humans, with Joan Clayton having been over two hundred years old before she died. MARKSMAN. Despite never previously having been taught Vanessa is very skilled in using a firearm, able to shoot from a distance and shoot moving targets with great accuracy.
NEW POWER: Healing.
EMOTIONAL HEALING. Through communication (in person only) Vanessa would be able to soothe or dull emotional pain. A simple conversation wouldn't be enough to trigger the ability, her words would have to focus on the person's pain or emotional state. Whilst Vanessa would be able to make someone feel better she would never truly be taking away the cause of their pain or sadness and it would only work for a limited period of time. In healing someone's pain Vanessa takes a small piece of that pain or sadness into herself.
DEVELOPMENT. Initially, Vanessa would only lift emotional pain for around one hour, feeling the effects of that person's pain for the same length of time. By healing someone it would cause a slight drain of herself, making her feel tired, particularly if Vanessa tried to heal anything stronger than her capabilities -- if someone were grieving she may be able to lift some of the pain but any attempts to lift more would exhaust her. As her powers grow she would be able to soothe pain for longer periods of time (such as 2 hours, 6 hours, a day.... etc, feeling that pain herself for the same length of time) with it taking more effort/healing for her to feel the same exhaustion (such as multiple people).
NOTE. Vanessa is never going to be able to 'cure' something or resolve why a person feels pain (such as grief, mental illness) she is temporarily lifting/removing them being able to feel that emotional pain. As her conversation in order to heal has to revolve around the pain it could help the person to resolve their feelings/move forward but they have to be a part of that.
POWER REASONING: Vanessa tries to help the people that she cares for, wishing to see them well even above her own well being. The emotional wellbeing of her friends, protecting them from whatever pain and hurt she can, or talking through a difficult time with them, offering kindness, is important to Vanessa. If she could do more she would, particularly having experienced negative emotions or 'caring' experiences.
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► ACTIVITY LINKS
► QUIET PLACE
► REVERIE
» HANDLE: Kerry
» CONTACT: skitties ( plurk )
» AGE: 27
» CHARACTER(S) IN-GAME:CHARACTER
» NAME: Vanessa Ives
» CANON: Penny Dreadful
» CANON POINT: 210 And They Were Enemies
» AGE: 32
» SETTING: link!
» SHORT DESCRIPTION: determined, tormented, kind, mysterious
» INFLUENTIAL EVENTS:
» FIT:
» POWERS:
» NOTES:» SAMPLES: log link or this tdm
► HADRIEL
Player name: Kerry
Contact: skitties @ plurk
Characters currently in-game:CHARACTER
Character Name: Vanessa Ives
Character Age: 31
Canon: Penny Dreadful
Canon Point: 303 Good and Evil Braided Be
World Description:History: link!
Personality:
Inventory:
Abilities:
Flaws:
SAMPLES
Action Log Sample: tdm link
► ROKKR
► MEADOWLARK
NAME: Kerry
PRONOUNS: she/her
AGE: 28
CONTACT: skitties @ plurk
> CHARACTER INFORMATION
NAME: Vanessa Ives
CANON: Penny Dreadful
AGE: 32
CANON POINT: 309 The Blessed Dark
HISTORY: link
PERSONALITY:
CRAU:SPECIES: Human ( witch )
APPEARANCE: [1] [2] bonus shaved head: [3] [4]
SKILLS:
NEW POWER: Healing.
POWER REASONING: Vanessa tries to help the people that she cares for, wishing to see them well even above her own well being. The emotional wellbeing of her friends, protecting them from whatever pain and hurt she can, or talking through a difficult time with them, offering kindness, is important to Vanessa. If she could do more she would, particularly having experienced negative emotions or 'caring' experiences.
> SAMPLES
SAMPLE ONE: meadowlark tdm
SAMPLE TWO: reverie log