Blood-Mother: Difference between revisions

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| complexion = <div style="font-size:13px">Variable</div>
| complexion = <div style="font-size:13px">Variable</div>
| build = <div style="font-size:13px">Variable</div>
| build = <div style="font-size:13px">Variable</div>
| features = <div style="font-size:13px"></div>
| features = <div style="font-size:13px">Crystalline Body</div>
| alignment = 6
| alignment = 3
| reputation = 3
| reputation = 2
| identity = <div style="font-size:13px">Semi-Secret</div>
| identity = <div style="font-size:13px">Semi-Secret</div>
| years_active = <div style="font-size:13px">2 Years</div>
| years_active = <div style="font-size:13px">Unknown</div>
| operations = <div style="font-size:13px">Paragon City, Rogue Isles</div>
| operations = <div style="font-size:13px">Paragon City, Rogue Isles</div>
| citizenship = <div style="font-size:13px">Rogue Isles</div>
| citizenship = <div style="font-size:13px">None</div>
| education = <div style="font-size:13px">High School, Arachnos</div>
| education = <div style="font-size:13px">No Formal</div>
| occupation = <div style="font-size:13px">Criminal, Bouncer</div>
| occupation = <div style="font-size:13px">Model</div>
| marital = <div style="font-size:13px">Single, Never Married</div>
| marital = <div style="font-size:13px">Single, Never Married</div>
| powers = <div style="font-size:13px">
| powers = <div style="font-size:13px">
- Master Hand to Hand Combatant
- Create and control "Blood Crystals"
- Reflexes, Strength, Endurance, and Agility operate at Super Human levels</div>
- Effectively Immortal</div>
| paraphernalia = <div style="font-size:13px">Rocket Board</div>
| paraphernalia = <div style="font-size:13px">None</div>
| strength = 6
| strength = 6
| endurance = 5
| endurance = 10
| agility = 8
| agility = 3
| speed = 3
| speed = 5
| fighting = 9
| fighting = 6
| projectiles = 1
| projectiles = 6
| durability = 4
| durability = 5
| resistance = 1
| resistance = 3
| intelligence = 4
| intelligence = 6
| psyche = 5
| psyche = 7
| intuition = 4
| intuition = 2
| charisma = 3
| charisma = 3
|}}
|}}
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==Overview[[File:Overview.png|left]]==
==Overview[[File:Overview.png|left]]==


<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother is one of the most powerful corrupt nature spirits known to exist. She was born of the taint within the Mother Goddess caused by all the death and destruction throughout the centuries. While all the Blood-Mother's magic abilities are formidable, her nature based powers are truly terrifying.</span>  
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother is one of the most powerful corrupt nature spirits known to exist. She was born from the corruption within the Earth Mother's spirit caused by all the death and bloodshed throughout the centuries. While all the Blood-Mother's magic abilities are formidable, her nature based powers are truly terrifying.</span>  
 
 
==Appearance[[File:Appearance.png|left]]==
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother appears to be a woman in her early 30's. She bears black, tattoo-like features on her face, believed to be the mark of a pure nature spirit. Aside from that, her body and face appear to be flawless in every way. Her voice is normally sultry and alluring, but changes to a softer more soothing tone at times. At first glance, she may appear to be the perfect woman.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">While some may say her unnatural beauty is due to her being a spirit of nature, that would only be partially true. The Blood-Mother is neither a ghostly spirit, nor is she flesh and blood. She is actually '''sentient stone''' (or crystal to be exact), the flesh on her body is simply to maintain a human appearance. The true reason for her beauty is that she is able to sculpt herself into any appearance.  While bulkier and less refined in the early days, she is now an artist with Centuries of experience.  She can make herself, quite literally, flawless.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Since her shape is created by her own power, she can change her appearance easily. She often switches between different clothes and hairstyles, but often leaves her body and facial features the same. It is possible for her to take any shape, be it a beautiful woman, or a hulking monstrosity. </span>
 
 
==Powers and Abilities[[File:PowersandAbilities.png|left]]==
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother combines earth, blood, magic, and her own evil taint to create and manipulate a unique substance called "Blood Crystals". These crystals are sharper than razors and harder than diamonds. They share the dark red coloring of their name and have been used in a variety of ways.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Offensively, shards are employed as throwing or stabbing weapons making them a primary method of attack. The Blood-Mother can also create large amounts with frightening speed, using the crystal to encase and incapacitate her foes. She has kept a few of her kills as trophies. Beings that will remain encased and displayed forever.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Defensively, the Blood-Mother can cover her entire body with these razor shards to protect her from physical attacks. Also, since her entire body is made of this same substance she has a high resistance to physical damage. Her body is hard enough to withstand bullets, and laser refract off of her like light in a prism. She does have several distinct weaknesses, none of which she speaks of regularly.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">One of the stranger abilities of the Blood-Mother, she is able to merge her spirit with another Mage. Being that her physical body is merely a shell, merging her spirit with another magic user is a simple task if both members are willing. The Mage temporarily gains vast arcane knowledge and an exponential increase in magical power. There is however, a single drawback. The Blood-Mother is, at the simplest definition, and evil taint born of centuries of death and evil. Along with vast power the Mage also quickly becomes more sadistic and corrupt, eventually becoming uncontrollable. Many mages have met their demise in this power mad state, much to the Blood-Mothers amusement.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">In fact, she has very little to fear from death. Like nature, her existence moves in cycles. If her physical form is destroyed, she would eventually take a new form, and the cycle would begin again. It has been theorized that the evil spirit could be permanently destroyed through magic, but magic strong enough to destroy the spirit of the Mother Goddess is not known to exist.  Ultimately, as long as violence continues to plague the Earth, the Blood-Mother will always exist.</span>
 
 
==Early History[[File:EarlyHistory.png|left]]==
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Since the dawn of mankind, nature’s spirit has had many names. Gaia, Terra, but most came to refer to her simply as “The Mother”. She was the spirit of the earth and all living things, preserving the natural balance of life, death, and rebirth.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Mother became aware of a dark corruption within her spirit. A taint born of all the blood spilled into her soil, and her deep hidden anger and resentment towards mankind. This dark corruption began to spread like a virus, and the Mother feared it would overtake her and the balance of nature would be lost forever. So the Mother separated this taint from herself, in turn creating a new spirit. She cast this spirit down, trapping it deep within the Earth, where it was meant to remain forever.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">However, this spirit born of the Mother's evil taint had already become strong enough to take physical form. While new to the "living" world and still weak, her influence would touch mankind throughout history. </span>
 
 
===Akkadian[[File:Akkadian.png|left]]===
[[File:Image by Anathematixs.jpg|border|left|Blood-Mother as "Ki", Goddess of the Earth]]<span style="font-size:17px;">The earliest traces of the entity now known as "The Blood-Mother" can be traced back to the Akkadian Empire, soon after Sargon of Akkad defeated Lugal-Zage-Si there by conquering his empire. The evil spirit had taken the form of a beautiful woman and using her powers (though still very weak), was easily able to convince Sargon that she was "Ki" the Goddess of the Earth.  Convincing Sargon that he had the blessing and protection of the Gods, Sargon began to invade the surrounding territories. Believing they could not be beaten due to the Gods favor, they advanced quickly and met with great success. During Sargon's life his empire continued to grow through conquering.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">By the time Sargon died, the wars had all but died out. They had defeated all within the reach of their empire. Sargon's youngest son Rimush took over the throne. The Blood-Mother was not pleased with this lack of bloodshed, and secretly instigated revolt among the people. Rimush battled many revolts in his 9 years of ruling before he was allegedly assassinated.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Manishtushu, Sargon's eldest son, then took the throne. This son was also assassinated during a Sea battle against 32 Kings who had united against him. Historical records show that at lease 25 of the 32 Kings were approached by a "Beautiful Goddess". These records imply that the Blood-Mother orchestrated the confrontation in secret.  Naram-Sin, Sargon's grandson was next in line for the throne. He was easily swayed by "Ki" into further conquest. He pushed his troops forward in one bloody contest after another. He was said to have had an army of 350,000 men, the largest of any up to that date. These battles continued on and off through the passing decades until they culminated with the defeat of the Lullubi.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">When Naram-Sin died, his son took over the throne. However, he was never approached by the Goddess Ki. Over the next 100 years, the Empire entered a rapid state of decline. It's borders continued to weaken until the Akkadian's were defeated by the barbarians known as the "Gutians". There barbarians were lead by the Blood-Mother who watched the battle, relishing in the fall of the old empire, her power having been substantially increased over the passed generations. When the battle was over, the mysterious woman was nowhere to be found.</span>
 
 
===Roman Empire[[File:Roman.png|left]]===
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">During the reign of the Roman Empire, the Blood-Mother relished in luxury under the name "Livia Faustina". Her beauty was revered, and many sought her affections. Enjoying the attention and the finest comforts that Rome could offer, Livia greatly enjoyed her time within the Empire. The Roman Empire was set on conquest, leaving no need for her intervention. Instead, the Blood-Mother enjoyed her beauty and riches (easily provided through magic) while the Empire's conquests fed her power. There were few who knew of her magical nature, and they worshiped her as a goddess much to her delight.  It was during this time that the Blood-Mother learned of all the pleasures of the flesh, as the rich and powerful threw lavished parties, and indulged in every delight.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Having money and beauty wasn't enough for her though. She needed power. To that end, she used her wealth to secretly take control of most of the merchant trade within Rome. Soon every major supplier to the Empire was secretly in her employ. This action gave her a great deal of power to manipulate events as she pleased. A useful tool when fighting boredom in the lap of luxury.  She had no real goal or endgame in mind.  She only knew that she needed to be someone of importance and power.</span>
 
 
<span style="font-size:17px;">Of course, Livia still fell prey to the occasional fits of boredom. Throughout her time in Rome, she was secretly responsible for several deaths. She could sense the darkness inside a person, and she was a master at drawing that darkness out. She would take different forms, usually beautiful women and find her victims in the darkness of night. She would encourage their perversity, applaud their cruelty helping them to lose their humanity in a fog of primal rage and lust. Her victims were eventually driven or manipulated into madness and usually arrested for some grievous crime and executed.  It was an amusing game to pass the time.</span> 
 
 
[[File:Fall.png|left]]
 
 
 
 
 






<span style="font-size:17px;">Aside from being fawned over by potential suitors, the woman known as Livia Faustina remained active in social affairs.  Behind the scenes, her power continued to increase during Rome's decline and subsequent fall to the Turks in 1453.  During Rome's sacking, she left her physical form, which collapsed into a pile of dirt and rocks.  She moved the streets as a undetectable spirit, relishing the violence and bloodshed around her.  Every death, every crucifixion, every act of cruelty and torture, fueled her power.  After the fall of the Roman Empire, Livia had no intention of remaining under the rule of the Turks. She quietly vanished from the city.</span>




==Appearance[[File:Appearance.png|left]]==


===The Renaissance[[File:Europe.png|left]]===
[[File:Image by Dark Spider2.jpg|border|right|Blood-Mother as Valeria De Laurentis]]
<span style="font-size:17px;">After she left the Roman Empire, she traveled to Florence Italy, who at the time was in the midst of the Renaissance. Taking the name "Valeria De Laurentis", she eventually followed the same pattern and became a prominent member of the Merchants Guild. Although she did not hold a high rank within the Guild, her vast wealth placed her at the head of the Aristocracy. As she did in Rome, she spread her influence through Florence, until she secretly controlled most of the merchants within the city and beyond. This time however, she also spread to control most of the illegal activities within the city as well.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">Under this identity, she traveled through most of Europe. She spent a majority of her time in England and France. Europe seemed entrenched in war constantly, but the nobility enjoyed lush pampering and luxury. It was the perfect place for Valeria.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">Since Europe seemed to spend most of it's time at war already, Valeria had very little influence over historical events. As she traveled through Europe she discovered more about music, and used her time learning to play several instruments including the piano and violin. She discovered the beauty of art and saw first hand the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">It was perhaps in this time that the entity known as the Blood-Mother, found peace as much as something such as herself can. Society was structured and those lesser knew their place. She spent her time in wealth and luxury as she had become accustomed. She had young men and women at her feet, and beauty all around her. Valeria was content there for many years. However, times changed and the world around her began to shape itself into something she could no longer understand.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">People spoke of freedom and equal treatment, as if those beneath her deserved to be treated as equals. In her eyes, despite her charade, nobody was her equal. At least an Aristocracy held to that belief in some way. This "new world" everyone spoke of sounded like a horrible place full of wretches and scum all of whom were supposed to be her equal. Disgusted by the very thought, Valeria left the first and only place she had ever actually called home. </span>
==Recent History[[File:RecentImages.png|left]]==
===Age of Heroes[[File:Heroes.png|left]]===
[[File:Mother1.png|border|right|The Blood Mother]]
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother remained unseen after her departure from Europe. It wasn't until the first heroes and villains began to appear that she resurfaced. Heroes and Villains had become the new Aristocracy, and the Blood-Mother was more than ready to find her place among them. She took the name "Crystal Blake" and settled into the Rogue Isles. It was during this time that she first began to use the moniker of "Blood-Mother", becoming a powerful villainess withing the Rogue Isles.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">Unlike a majority of her existence, there was little need for subtlety in this new time. The game was simple; the villains would do whatever they wanted, and the heroes would try to stop them. There were few people who could challenge her vast Arcane power. In fact, it wasn't until she faced a hero calling himself "Statesman" that she met her first true defeat. While her defeat angered her, it was also exhilarating.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">The dictator of the Rogue Isles also possessed great power. Lord Recluse and The Blood-Mother fought several times in the early days of heroes. They eventually formed a unspoken treaty, in which they did not interfere in each others schemes to maintain a relative sense of peace in the Isles. Through her arcane research, the Blood-Mother learned the source of both Statesman and Lord Recluse's power. Due to her nature, she could not use the Well of Furies as they did. It was however in her best interests to ensure that nobody else ever found and used the Well. She has repeatedly killed those who got too close to discovering the Well's location.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">During her research she also discovered several alternate versions of the world she knew, decades before they became known to the world at large. Including the world known know as Praetorian Earth. This alternate dimension was ruled by Marcus Cole, better known as Statesman. "Emperor Cole" created a utopia on his world, at the expense of freedom. Intrigued by this new world, the Blood-Mother arranged a personal visit.</span> 
===Praetoria[[File:Praetorian.png|left]]===
[[File:Mercy.jpg|border|left|Mercy at the B.A.F.]]<span style="font-size:17px;">Crystal used her magic to travel into Praetorian Earth. Although it was meant to be only a short visit, The Blood-Mother would spend years there, using her shape-changing ability to explore the various regions and learn of the worlds history.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother killed a woman named Natalie Brooks, and assumed her identity. Under this persona, The Blood-Mother worked inside the Behavioral Adjustment Facility (B.A.F.). She met many people with strange and sometimes powerful abilities. However, none caught her attention as much as a young girl named Mercy.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">Mercy was just a child, trapped inside a horrible facility. Yet she strolled through the hallways with an innocent smile. When she spoke to "Natalie", she seemed to look through the Blood-Mothers visage. She was a sweet girl, who had the power to open portals between any two points. It was possible that the young girl could have escaped any time she pleased, but the thought had probably never occurred to her. She seemed content, at least for the time being.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">As much as she would deny it, a nurturing maternal side is as much in her nature as her violence. Mercy brought this side out of The Blood-mother, and soon Crystal confided in Mercy her true name and nature. Over the following year, Crystal and Mercy grew close. In fact, Crystal soon began to care for Mercy as if she were a daughter. She held as much love for the child as she had ever had for anything in her long existence.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">One day, Mercy was taken by the orderlies for "treatment". Unable to let the girl go, Crystal tracked Mercy down in the facility. She found the young girl in a lab, screaming as they ran some kind of experiment on her. A burning rage unlike anything she had ever felt swelled inside of her, and the ancient entities dark magic began to crackle to the surface. The Blood-Mother began to slaughter the scientists inside the lab, followed by the guards responding to the alarm. The Blood-Mothers vast power was overshadowed only by her anger.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">After killing everyone she came across, she cut the straps from Mercy's bed, freeing the girl. Mercy reached over, wrapping her small arms around Crystal, hugging her tight. In a calm and soothing voice, Crystal asked Mercy to open a portal to get them out of the facility. Mercy smiled wide and held out her hand as a glowing portal appeared in front of them. They walked through it together entering the relative safety of Praetoria. Soon, the Blood-Mother's magic took them both back to Primal Earth.</span> 
[[File:Pains.png|left]]
[[File:CrystalMercy.jpg|border|right|Crystal Blake and Mercy Blake]]<span style="font-size:17px;">Once free and safely on Primal Earth, the Blood-Mother ceased her role as villainess going off the radar. Crystal took on a new appearance, that would more easily allow her to pass as the girls mother (or older sister). Crystal focused on raising and taking care of the young girl. Mercy seemed to settle in quickly to the "Daughter" role, and the young girl seemed to carry a maturity beyond her years. The same could not be said for Crystal. While Crystal was in fact a loving guardian, she would not be what most would consider a good role model. She once impaled a careless driver who nearly hit Mercy while changing his radio station. While Crystals actions often shocked Mercy, the young girl seemed to understand that the powerful villainess was out of her element, doing the best she could, the only way she knew how.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">After the first year things seemed to settle down for them both. Mercy was well provided for, and sometimes a bit too well protected by her adoptive mother. When Mercy hit her teenage rebellion phase, it wasn't pretty. She was able to travel anywhere using her portals, leaving Crystal to magically track down and return the girl. Some would say it was normal family issues, just a bit more epic in it's resolution. Still, Mercy knew when to push and when to back down. It was never far from her mind exactly what Crystal was, and her true nature. Despite their love for one another, Mercy always knew to tread carefully.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">When Mercy was 15 years old, their relatively peaceful life was shattered. During a quiet morning breakfast, their home was invaded by Praetorian Police. Mercy dove under the table as Crystal quickly stood from her chair, Blood Crystal blades protruding from her body. The PPD opened fire on her, they're bullets ricocheting off her harmlessly. Crystal began to systematically take down the invading troops in a bloody and brutal display of force. She did leave one of them alive long enough to learn what the purpose of the invasion.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">It seemed that Emperor Cole had plans to one day invade Primal Earth, and Mercy was a large piece of that plan. Using her powers, Cole could bypass the worlds defenses and deploy his troops to any location at any time. The Blood-Mothers rescue, disrupted Cole's plans and he ordered his forces to track them down, kill Crystal, and return the girl. It had apparently taken them years to track them down. However, now they had a trail, and they would need to stay on the move to keep Mercy safe. </span>
===Darkness Reborn[[File:Darkness.png|left]]===
[[File:GrievingMother.jpg|Border|left|A Grieving Mother]]<span style="font-size:17px;">Together, Crystal and Mercy evaded or killed several teams of Praetorians over the following years. The teams continued to grow in number and technology. The last attack happened only days before Mercy's 18th birthday. The two were staying in a nice room inside the Golden Giza, when the door was kicked in. Crystal immediately moved to attack, before being struck with a high powered sonic weapon. The sonic vibration was devastating on her crystalline body, causing it to crack almost to the point of shattering. Mercy began to come to her aid, but Crystal ordered her to get away. She was captured before she could open a portal to get out. Two men held her arms, trying to drag her away. Crystal used the last of her strength to throw two large crystal shards, killing both the men. She was hit again with the sonic weapon and her body finally shattered.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">Even without a physical form, her spirit remained there, watching events unfold as helpless as a child. She could not have been prepared for what happened next. After collecting Mercy again, they knelt her down in the middle of the room, and without a word, put a bullet into her. Crystal watched as her beloved daughter fell lifeless to the floor, scared and alone.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">It would be a week before Crystal was able to take physical form again. Her new body felt more like a shell than ever before, she felt completely empty inside. It didn't take her long to find Mercy's body. She took her daughter from the morgue, and gave her a private burial in a secret place. For the first time in her existence, she collapsed weeping uncontrollably. She had never felt pain like this before, it was encompassing, consuming her entire being.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">Then as it always does, her sorrow turned to rage. She no longer cared about her own existence, wealth, power. It all meant nothing to her. The only thing that mattered to her was finding a way to inflict the pain she felt on Emperor Cole and his entire world. Crystal had suppressed many of her violent and primal instincts for the sake of her daughter, but now they rushed to the surface, boiling over her. She knew that Emperor Cole possessed the power of the Well of Furies, a power she could never obtain. There was no way she could beat him in her current state. However, she was not alone, and she had a plan to even the scales.</span>
===Power Play[[File:Power.png|left]]===
<span style="font-size:17px;">Shortly after burying Mercy, Crystal returned to Praetoria. Her only ally was here, even if she didn't know it yet. Crystal began to cast a spell. This spell was well known to her, as she used it often to return her to her secret lair whenever the need arises. As she finished casting she was teleported to her lair. She looked around at the stone walls. They looked almost perfect, but there were small differences that most would never notice. However after living for centuries, she knew every crack of her home. She began to walk through the familiar halls, her footsteps echoed through the stone structure.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">The sound of her footsteps was broken by a another set of footsteps. They were heavy, loud, and charging towards her. Crystal turned towards the sound with an arched eyebrow. Suddenly, a large Golem made of Blood Crystal charged out of the shadows towards her. She smiled at the sight, imagining how terrifying that would be to a intruder. She held up her hand calmly as the golem crumbled away. Crystal continued moving until she got to the throne room.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;"><span style="color:red">'''"You must be eager to die if you've come here"'''</span> A female voice said alluringly from the darkness</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">'''"I wonder if that sounds as melodramatic when I say it"''' Crystal replied back</span>






<span style="font-size:17px;">From the throne stood a familiar figure. The Blood-Mother, or at least Praetoria's version of her. Crystal made her way to her doppelganger, explaining why she had come.  The Blood-Mother is able to join her spirit with another mage, which increases their power exponentially. However the Blood-Mother's evil taint quickly drives the other mage into an evil madness usually leading to the mage's death. This time however, Crystal wanted to merge their two spirits together. It would create a new Blood-Mother, who's power would rival or possibly exceed an Incarnate.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">The Praetorian Blood-Mother seemed less than interested in a permanent joining. Crystal explained that for all the Blood-Mother's power, the one thing she's never really had was a true purpose.  Crystal offered her this purpose. Intrigued by this new so-called purpose, the Blood-Mother agreed to share memories with Crystal. She would experience her memories, her life, as if she had lived it herself. Crystal reached out, taking the Blood-Mother's hand, their spirits and minds became one.  Crystal watched the Blood-Mother's face as she lived her memories. She saw joy in her eyes as she raised Mercy, and watched the powerful villainess tremble as Mercy was killed.</span>


<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother appears to be a woman in her early 30's. She bears black, tattoo-like features on her face, believed to be the mark of a pure nature spirit. Aside from that, her body and face appear to be flawless in every way. Her voice is normally sultry and alluring, but changes to a softer more soothing tone at times. At first glance, she may appear to be the perfect woman.</span>


<span style="font-size:17px;">While some may say her unnatural beauty is due to her being a spirit of nature, that would only be partially true. The Blood-Mother is neither a ghostly spirit, nor is she flesh and blood. She is actually sentient stone (or crystal to be exact), the flesh on her body is simply to maintain a human appearance. The true reason for her beauty is that her form was quite literally carved and chiseled by the hand of nature who has centuries of experience. Making her form, in fact, flawless.</span>
[[File:Crystal8.jpg|border|right|The combined Blood-Mothers]]<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother collapsed, tears streaming down her face. She clutched at the tears, unable to believe that she was crying for the first time in her existence.</span>


<span style="font-size:17px;">Since her shape is created by her own power, she can change her appearance easily. She often switches between different clothes and hairstyles, but often leaves her body and facial features the same. It is possible for her to take any shape, be it a beautiful woman, or a hulking monstrosity. </span>


<span style="font-size:17px;"><span style="color:red">'''"They killed her!"'''</span> The Blood-Mother shouted in anger but still crying</span>


[[File:YoungLucas1.jpg|left|Young Lucas]]


<span style="font-size:17px;">After a day of what passed for Public School, some members of the dominant gang on the Isle known as “The Razors” started chatting up Lucas.  Lucas was bigger and stronger than most the kids his age, so they had their eyes on him for some time.  Usually, Lucas just tried to be respectful and keep moving, but this time he stopped.  He talked to the men, explaining what had been going on.  They promised him that if he joined, he would be family, and they would have his back.  Lucas agreed.
<span style="font-size:17px;">''"Yes."''' Crystal replied plainly</span>
Once the thugs and common scum knew Lucas was with the Razors, they left his dad, and his neighborhood alone.  Lucas knew his dad wasn’t stupid, and probably knew what was happening, but dad never mentioned it.  Maybe he was ashamed that his son had to go to such lengths to protect him, or maybe it was just the fact that that way of surviving was the reality.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">During his time with the Razors, he was able to prove himself as a capable addition. His natural size and athletic capability mixed well with the violence.  He was a natural fighter, always willing to take the fight to whoever stepped to him.  After all, better to take the “L” then to back down and be seen as weak.  Never back down, never tolerate disrespect.  These were the lessons that he learned from his new family.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;"><span style="color:red">'''"This...is our purpose?"'''</span> The Praetorian asked with a sense of understanding, <span style="color:red">'''"Combine our powers so we can destroy Cole?"'''</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Years passed, and Lucas was preparing to graduate High School. One morning, Lucas’s dad left for work, and never came home.  Not like his mother, his Father wasn’t the type to abandon him. He wouldn’t just run away without a word.  Unfortunately, that meant he needed to fear the worst.  He searched for his dad for days, but never found him.  There was no police investigation, no body was ever recovered, no funeral was ever held.  He was just gone.  Another victim of the Rogue Isles, another statistic in someone’s book.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">'''"Yes."''' Crystal replied again in a soothing voice, '''"We have never loved anything like her. They took that from us, and now they need to pay."'''</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">After he lost his Father, Lucas leaned into the gang life completely.  Feeling he had nothing left to lose, he became his most dangerous, willing to pop off with the slightest provocation.  His brutality and ruthless dedication caused him to move up the ranks quickly as an Enforcer.  Lucas was the perfect soldier.  He didn’t need or want all the details, he didn’t care if he was kept in the dark.  All he wanted to know was “who was the threat”, and “How far do you want me to take it”Most of the time he might rough someone up, or occasionally use a beating to send a message or warning.  However, he had no issue putting someone in the ground.  In fact, he was maybe too good at it.</span>  
<span style="font-size:17px;">The usual calm countenance of the Blood-Mother was gone, replaced by an animal consumed by sorrow and furyThe Blood-Mother's eyes looked feral, <span style="color:red">'''"I'LL BURN THEIR FUCKING WORLD TO ASHES!!"'''</span></span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Unknown to Lucas at the time, was that the reason the Razor’s were so feared, was that they were semi-secretly backed by Arachnos.  They were known in the right circles as a “feeder gang”, meant to groom and evaluate it’s members.  This allowed Arachnos access to fresh recruits that were already indoctrinated into the lifestyle of violence, loyalty, keeping your mouth shut, and following orders.  It was no surprise that Arachnos approached Lucas.  They revealed this to him, and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, literally.  It didn’t really matter.  Lucas would have accepted anyway.  He was inducted into Arachnos officially and began the next chapter in his life.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">'''"Then you'll do it?"''' Crystal asked</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother did her best to compose herself as she stood, her face calm and determined, <span style="color:red">'''"We...owe her that much.  You do realize that our combined power could drive us completely mad?"'''</span>




===Arachnos[[File:Cool Text - Arachnos 447415935576716.png|left]]===
<span style="font-size:17px;">'''"For the first time ever...I believe our heart is stronger than our hate"'''' Crystal replied, '''"I'm willing to take that chance."'''</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">There were no more words needed between the two villains. They began to cast an ancient incantation, and the two ancient spirits merged fully into one. They're new blood-crystal body had to be magically reinforced to withstand the power without shattering. Magical energy cracked and their power reached immeasurable heights as their new form was complete. A new Blood-Mother was born.</span>






==Aftermath[[File:AftermathLarge.png|left]]==






[[File:Viper1Smaller.png|left]]<span style="font-size:17px;">Once Lucas joined Arachnos, his real education began as he began the rigorous Arachnos “Basic Training”.  As expected, he performed far better then fresh recruits, his gang experience and comfort with violence gave him a clear advantage.  Still, far from the perfect student, but his dedication and ferocity made up for any failures of a more academic nature.  Once, he finished his training, he did what Arachnos soldiers do.  Admittedly, he was expecting more action, but instead he found himself on Guard Duty in a remote Arachnos safe house.  The boring nature of the assignment made the days drag on.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Finally, he got a call that there was an Arachnos force in retreat, heading to the safehouse.  Lucas followed his protocols, and met the Arachnos team, ensuring their safety.  However, they were followed by Longbow Agents.  Lucas was so excited because, the truth was, he was just itching for a fight.  He lured the Agents inside, and engaged them in close quarters combat.  His violence and sheer ferocity, overwhelmed the Longbow Agents in a bone-crunchingly brutal display.  The Arachnos agents were extracted and everything seemed like it would go back to normal.  Lucas later received a letter of recommendation from one of the Arachnos agents.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">About a year later, and with the recommendation of his superiors, Lucas applied for Arachnos special operations.  The training was some of the most grueling he had ever encountered.  He saw men quit, he saw men die, and he himself came close to both on more than one occasion. Lucas always thought he was tough, but this training was pushing him beyond his limits.  He could feel himself getting stronger. As always, the one area that Lucas excelled was the hand-to-hand combat.  During these tests, which could barely be considered contests, Lucas would decimate the other recruits in one sided victories.  Eventually, the Instructors began to challenge Lucas, putting him in his place.</span>
<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother confined herself to her lair for the next several weeks, to allow herself to adjust to her new power. She learned to suppress the majority of her abilities, as her full power was almost too destructive. Of course, when needed she was also able to call forth her full magical might to her bidding.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">After graduation, he was immediately sent right back to the school he had just graduated from. Once he arrived, instead of instructors screaming at him, he was greeted warmly with handshakes and big manly hugs. They laughed and joked about the training class they just finished.  When Lucas asked why he was sent back there, they told him that he was going to be the new Close Quarters Combat (CQC) Trainer for Arachnos Special Forces. The reason for this was simple, they explained, it was because he held back. When he fought against the instructors, he held back, not going at them with the same brutal ferocity.  The Lead Instructor asked Lucas why he did it.  Lucas answered that defeating an instructor would undermine their authority and weaken the program as a whole.  The Lead smiled and told him that understanding that, meant he was ready to take a larger role in Arachnos, and the other instructors wanted him there.  So, Lucas began his new job as CQC Instructor for Arachnos Special Operations.  The job he would hold for his entire career, up until the time of his retirement.</span>  
<span style="font-size:17px;">Once she returned to Primal Earth, she began to research Praetorian Earth and Emperor Cole. The existence of Praetoria had since become widely known among the hero and villain populations. Emperor Cole's plan to invade Primal Earth had also begun to circulate. The villains of the Rogue Isles had little interest in stopping him, they were more interested in how they could best profit or benefit by it. Crystal soon realized that her fellow villains would be little help to her in the battle against Praetoria.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">It wasn't long until she heard of a strike team that had originated from Paragon City, and had supposedly left quite the dent in Emperor Cole's forces. The team was from a government group called S.C.O.R.P.I.O. Crystal decided it might be time to leave her life as a villainess behind and go to Paragon City to join up with this group. While she wasn't especially keen on the thought of helping a bunch of do-gooders, there was no sacrifice she was not willing to make to see Cole and his entire world burn.</span>




===Retirement[[File:Cool Text - Retirement 447416167027486.png|left]]===
<span style="font-size:17px;">Paragon City had put a program in place for villains who wished to reform, and better serve humanity as heroes. Just saying it made Crystal sick, but she went to Paragon City to "reform" herself. It was a slow and degrading process, watching heroes turn up their noses, and preach foolish concepts like "compassion" and "justice". Still, she endured the torment and her record was eventually cleared, giving her new status as a "Probational Hero".</span>




[[File:CrystalModel.jpg|border|right|Crystal Blake Modeling]]
===Honest Living[[File:Honest.png|left]]=== 




<span style="font-size:17px;">While being a "Hero" supposedly had it's own rewards, clearly money was not one of them. While Crystal was more than capable of magically creating wealth, Paragon City had it's share of magic and such practices were frowned upon.  These peasants still operated under some archaic notion of "earning" your money.  Slaving away at menial labor for below average compensation.  The foolishness of "good people" still astounded her. </span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Still, for the sake of her missions, she decided to give "honest living" a shot.  Perhaps getting a job would somehow help her keep in touch with some part of the humanity that Mercy had given her. However, there was no way she would lower herself to manual labor. Soon Crystal found her calling in Modeling. She was getting paid large sums of money to simply look amazing (as she always does) and let people take pictures. It would be like paying these pathetic humans for breathing, they're doing it anyway, they mind as well collect the money.  The complimented her non-stop as they took pictures, telling her how beautiful she was.  Such a job seemed almost criminal, but was well regarded in Paragon City, and helped her avoid menial labor.</span>


<span style="font-size:17px;">Retirement.</span> 


<span style="font-size:17px;">The ability to change her looks served her well in her new career, and she met with great success. Crystal Blake was soon a common name in the modeling world. Still, this life she was living was just an illusion, a means to reach her only true goal, vengeance.  In order to do that, she had to play by their rules, grit her teeth and endure.  She needed to find S.C.O.R.P.I.O. so she would have allies and the means to complete her true objective.  .</span>


<span style="font-size:17px;">In the normal world, it’s a good thing.  It means you’ve worked your ass off, and have finally got to the point that you can relax, and live out your golden years in peace, drinking umbrella drinks on some beach.  However, there’s nothing “normal” about growing up in the Rogue Isles, of being employed by gangs or Arachnos.  The street Gangs of the Isles, and Arachnos did have one thing in common; Lucas had never heard of anyone retiring peacefully from either.  Typically, the only way you leave is either being killed or being “retired” which was often the same thing.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Lucas had been an Instructor for decades now, coming up on his 50th Birthday. He was still a beast to be sure, but he was slower, weaker. He could feel it, they could see it. He could still beat you into the pavement, but he was tired, sore. The Instructors that had brought him on had moved to other posts or been Retired. The “new” group had been there for about 5-10 years. They were good men, strong men. Lucas had trained his replacement, a young man named Cross. He had a rough life like Lucas, like all of them.  He found a purpose here in Arachnos, and was a good student.  It was his time now to continue the training.  Lucas knew that his 50th Birthday would also serve as his Retirement party.</span>
==S.C.O.R.P.I.O.[[File:SCORPIO.png|left]]==
[[File:SCORPIOLONG.png|left]]




<span style="font-size:17px;">When the day came, the instructors through a huge bash.  Booze, music, women, the party looked more like a Bachelor party than a Retirement.  They exchanged stories, and laughed.  They hugged, and said their goodbyes.  Some cried, some made jokes, they all knew that one day, it would be them too.  There was so much respect between them, so much respect.  How could you not respect a man that willingly walks to his own end with a smile.  How do you not respect those that have chosen to live the same way.  That’s what the party was really about.  It was a celebration of life, of accomplishments, of friendship, and of inevitable ends.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">As the party died down, everyone knew it was almost time.  Lucas hugged his friends, and said goodbye again.  He asked Cross, the man replacing him, “Cross, would you walk me out?”.  Cross nodded with a bit of a forced smile.  Asking someone to “walk you out” was basically asking them to be the one to “retire” you.  Lucas felt it was fitting for his replacement to do it.  They left the area, chatting along the way.  Lucas smiled and wished Cross luck.  Cross thanked him, pulled out a pistol, and put a round through Lucas's chest.  The last thing he heard as everything went dark was Cross's distant voice, "Love you old man".</span>








=== A New Life[[File:Cool Text - A New Life 447416297669403.png|left]]===
[[File:ScorpMom.jpg|border|left|S.C.O.R.P.I.O. Blood-Mother]]<span style="font-size:17px;">Crystal eventually made contact with [http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Category:S.C.O.R.P.I.O.  S.C.O.R.P.I.O.] and made her intentions known. She was interviewed and although there were doubts about her motives, her power and knowledge were too much to pass up. Crystal was allowed to join the group and was assigned to the "Arcane-Ops" division. After joining, Crystal fashioned a new S.C.O.R.P.I.O. costume. She took thier standard look and mixed in the design from her own costume, conforming to the standard yet remaining unique. She also shortens her hair while in uniform as it makes it easier for her in combat.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">While S.C.O.R.P.I.O. as a whole was quite the impressive operation, she found the "Arcane-Ops" Division lacking.  Members were in short supply, leadership was non-existent.  At that moment, the only reason that Arcane-Ops probably existed was because it was too much paperwork to disband it.  Normally, she wouldn't care, but she had taken a large step towards Emperor Cole, and would not be stopped now.  She contacted Command and asked to be put in charge of the Arcane-Ops Division, and presented them a written outline of her plan to increase their numbers.  After some debate, her request was granted.  She met with the current members at her own personal lair.  She taught them that magic is universal, and the only force in existence without limits.  The fact that they could tap into that infinite power made them superior to their lesser counterparts.  Many of the members felt like outcasts, but her lessons made them believe that they were special.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">While Crystal was born of corruption, she is still of the Earth Mother.  So, a nurturing, maternal side is as much a part of her as her violence.  This maternal side was never more prevalent than it was within the Arcane-Ops Division.  Those within it were her children, and she acted as Mother, guide, and mentor.  Members treated each other as family, and new members began to come.  Most of them outcasts, most of them lost, and many of them far from being heroes.  Since she was no hero either, she welcomed them with open arms, and they related to her because she had the same darkness they did.  They walked the halls of S.C.O.R.P.I.O. with pride as members of "Arcane-Ops", as they embraced her teaching that they were "Superior".  The Blood-Mother seemed to have found a calling that she never knew she had, and the members found a guide.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">The Blood-Mother wasn't all praise and bubbles though.  She demanded a lot from her members, and did not tolerate disrespect.  She expected her members to show her the proper respect, as well as the other members of leadership.  If someone got too full of themself and mouthed off to another member of leadership, she was quick to snatch them up and make an example.  This rarely happened though, as most members were on their best behavior, representing a division they were proud of.  The Arcane-Ops division had gone from barely functioning to the largest Division in the organization in less than two months, and many of it's members were..."morally flexible".  The joke became that they had become a "rogues gallery".  However, the rag tag mages came together as a unit when it was time for the mission.


<span style="font-size:17px;">Lucas’s eves snapped open as he was jarred awake gasping for air.  His chest burned, his neck burned, his vision dark.  He heard hissing in his ear, he reached back sharply grabbing something soft in his hands.  It felt like someone’s head, sort of.  He summoned his strength, slamming that head to the ground, and driving his fists into it, then through it, until he felt his knuckles touch the ground.  There was more hissing around him, as his vision began to return.  As he looked around, he saw snake-men around him, the same snake creatures that plagued Mercy Island.  He was surrounded by piles of trash, a landfill maybe?  Makes sense, since he was supposed to be dead.  He looked down to his chest, there was no bullet hole.  More alarming was that his skin was a pale grey, with scales, like the snakes around him.  He looked at his arms, and they were the same.  He struggled to his feet, but quickly gained his bearings.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">After the initial shock, he felt good.  No, he felt great.  Better than he ever felt, even in his prime.  The snakes surrounding him seemed to want no part of him after realizing he wasn’t easy prey. He was still on Mercy Island, not far from his home.  He made his way back, catching strange glances from people, but they otherwise left him be.  When he arrived home, he saw that he had been mutated into some kind of Snake-Human hybrid.  His wounds seem to have healed, but he had a small scar on his chest from the bullet.  He also had two small scars on his neck.  A Snake Bite?  It seemed that he survived his Retirement and was dumped in the Mercy Island landfill.  The snakes went to eat him, and realizing he was still alive, decided to bite and poison him.  However, his body seemed to have absorbed the venom, and merged the snake DNA with his own.</span>
===Fall of Praetoria[[File:Fallsmall.png|left]]===




<span style="font-size:17px;">Lucas looked in the mirror, then let out a deep bellowing laugh.  He was thinking about his walk home, and how even though he got some glances, there was really no issue.  Only in a world like this one, could a snake-man walk down the street, and people just be like, “Meh”.  The fact was, that in a world full of heroes, villains, and freaks, being part snake was barely an inconvenience.  He backed up a few steps, still watching himself in the mirror.  He started shadow boxing in the mirror.  He felt so fast, so strong, it was incredible.  He smiled in the mirror, but the strange snake smile just made him laugh again.  It would seem he wasn’t going to get the “normal” retirement.  What he got instead was a new life.  While still technically 50 years old, he felt young again, beyond his prime, beyond his limits.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Hell yea.  This was gonna be fun.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">Lucas went around his old Neighborhood, re-introducing himself.  Most of the people he knew in his youth had died, moved, or were now in their 50's with families of their own.  Many of the single Father's didn't care for Lucas too much.  Many of the single mothers liked Lucas a little too much.  Most of the younger kids thought this big snake guy was pretty cool.  Lucas would often go to the Basketball Courts and hoop it up with the kids.  Occasionally, leaping over them and dunking on them, which admittedly, he probably enjoyed a little too much.  The old gangs were pretty much gone, but new gangs took their place.  Lucas made introductions with them as well.  His introduction with the Gangs were violent, referring to himself as "Viper", he made it clear what would happen if any Gangs stepped into *his* hood.  Hurt his people or God help you, hurt his kids, he promised them that they would beg him to die.  He had no fear.  He had no mercy.  He would kill all of them without hesitation. 50 years of experience, 50 years of violence, they could see it in his snake like eyes.  He meant every word.</span>


<span style="font-size:17px;">Even though the Neighborhood was weary at first, they came to respect Lucas.  They knew he was a criminal, but the money he stole, he put back into the neighborhood.  He was their own personal Robin Hood, and protector.  While they may want to take the moral high ground, the truth was, there was nobody else that gave a damn about them.  He wasn't perfect, but he cared.  The Gangs and "Viper" came to coexist peacefully as well.  Though there was some initial friction, they came to see that at his core, he was just a OG Gangster.  They showed him respect, and he returned that respect in kind.  He was no Saint, his hands were as tainted as anyone's.  He believed in many of the same principles they did, respect, family, loyalty.  Some of the Gang Leaders would meet up with Viper, ask him about the old days, or pick his brain for advice or ideas.  Viper's Neighborhood became neutral territory for all the surrounding gangs.  They held massive block BBQ's, had Basketball Tourneys, and everyone was invited.  There were only two rules.  No colors, and no violence.  Now referred to as "King Viper" by the surrounding Gangs, he became the common ground for everyone, the glue that kept the peace.  Disputes still arose from time to time, but King Viper was quick to sit them down and get things settled.  The gangs respected each others territory, and turned their aggression outward instead of inward.  Deaths were down, profits were up, and some sense of harmony had been found.</span> 


<span style="font-size:17px;">Crystal and her new Arcane-Ops Division fell into order under the Command of [http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Cyber_Knight  Cyber Knight] and [http://www.virtueverse.net/wiki/Violet_Darkmoor  Violet Darkmoor].  Violet was a friend, lover, and the first and only apprentice of The Blood-Mother.  She began as a young, unsure sorceress.  One of the original members of Arcane-Ops, whose dedication and integrity had advanced her to the role of Deputy Director.  Violet's advancement to second in command of the organization, filled Crystal with a pride she had not felt since Mercy was alive.  Crystal knew that not only would Violet be great for the Organization as a whole, but found comfort knowing that Violet would always look out for her old Division, ensuring Arcane-Ops prosperity in the times to come.  More importantly, Violet was an example to all the other lost souls in the Division.  To see one of their own transform from quiet outcast to confident leader, gave them all hope and pride.




<span style="font-size:17px;">As Emperor Cole became a greater threat, massive organizations of heroes began to bind together to face the new threat.  Eventually, a full scale invasion into Praetorian Earth was underway.  Normally, the Blood-Mother would have been the first to charge off, looking for Emperor Cole.  However, she was different now.  Not only changed for the better, but not scared or ashamed to admit it, maybe for the first time.  She still wanted Cole dead, but it didn't have to be by her hand.  She dedicated her hands and her power to protecting this assorted group of "riff-raff" that she had come to see as her children.  She had lost one child already, she wasn't going to lose another one.  S.C.O.R.P.I.O. and all it's members fought with bravery and ferocity, against seemingly endless onslaughts of Praetorian machines and "heroes".




<span style="font-size:17px;">Finally, they received word that Emperor Cole had been defeated, but were warned of imminent and growing danger.  "Praetoria is doomed", is what they were told, as they were ordered to retreat.  Crystal and the other leaders saw to the evacuation of their people.  The Blood-Mother took one last look at Praetoria.  They had finally faced justice, faced a reckoning for Mercy's death, but Crystal felt nothing.  She thought she would feel happy, or relieved, or vindicated, but there was nothing.  Her daughter was still gone, her sorrow still eternal, and in the end, the fall of Praetoria and the death of Cole did nothing to change that.  She turned away going through the portal, arriving back at the S.C.O.R.P.I.O. HQ.  They did a head count and checked for injuries as the exhausted members sprawled across the floors and furniture.  Beaten, bloodied, and trying to catch their breath.  Smiles and laughter slowly started making their way through the crowd, as the realization that they were victorious sank in.




==Powers[[File:Cool Text - Powers 447416404075999.png|left]]==
<span style="font-size:17px;">Once the dust had settled Crystal brought Violet to the secret place that she had buried Mercy.  It was hallowed ground to Crystal, but she needed Violet there.  She had done this alone for so long, it was comforting to have someone with her, even if she would never admit it.  At the grave was a massive stone mural.  This huge white marble slab was flawless, and gleamed under the sun.  In the middle of the Mural was Mercy, carved just she looked as a child when Crystal first met her.  From her back were two massive Angel Wings, the light emanating from the girl, repelling all the darkness around her.  In her hands, she held a heart made of Blood-Crystal, her wings beginning to curve around it, like she was protecting it from the darkness.  The Mural was beyond anything Violet had ever seen.  Every inch, every detail, meticulously crafted by a centuries old master sculptor.  It was a work of art so beautiful, and so flawless, that it didn't seem real.  It felt like staring into Heaven itself, and being so overwhelmed by the beauty, you just weep.  Crystal walked up to the Mural, tracing her fingers across her daughters face.  There was so much she wanted to say, but <span style="color:red">"I love you, always."</span> was all she could muster.  Violet ran up, grabbing Crystal and hugging her tight, sharing Crystal's pain and burden.  They looked at each other and nodded silently. Violet took Crystal's arm and they left that sacred place.  Ready to move on with a new chapter, whatever that may be.   


[[File:Cooltext447416991138005.png|left]]




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<span style="font-size:17px;">King Viper possesses super human reflexes.  In combat, his opponents appear to be moving in slow motion, making it incredibly difficult to hit him.  In fact, his reflexes are so advance, some could say it borders on "combat precognition", allowing him to even dodge bullets and other projectiles, although Lucas suggests it would be foolish to try doing so repeatedly.  Of all his abilities, his reflexes are the most advanced.</span>






[[File:Cooltext447417143372041str.png|left]]




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<span style="font-size:17px;">King Viper also possesses super human strength, though his level of strength would still be far below that of many heroes and villains.  He is strong enough to punch holes through brick walls with little effort.  If he pushes himself he could lift a small to medium car, or possibly punch a hole through steel.  Though his body seems to constantly be evolving, he will likely never reach the level of more powerful supes.  </span>






[[File:Cooltext447417248495040End.png|left]]




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==Original Art and Credit[[File:Credit.png|center]]==
[[File:FAB.png|center]]




<span style="font-size:17px;">Viper has "enhanced" endurance and agility.  His endurance and (reflexes aside) agility would be scaled more at an Olympic level.  Far beyond that of the average human, but not quite crossing into "super" territory.  He is capable of taking on around 20 normal humans in rapid succession, but then requires a brief rest to catch his breath.  Pushing beyond that slows both his reflexes and his strength.  His agility allows him to run faster and further, and jump higher than any human.  However, one would be hard pressed to label him as "super", when "enhanced" seems more appropriate.</span>




<span style="font-size:17px;">This FSBA Wiki was imported from it's original VIRTUEVERSE entry, created back in 2011, during City of Heroes LIVE.  During the entries original creation, all Artists were contacted and gave permission to use their works provided appropriate credit was given.  I want to personally thank all those artists.  Your artwork inspired me to write, and write, and keep writing.  Every image inspired a new chapter in Crystal Blake's life, inspired the youthful innocence of Mercy Blake, and the sorrow of loss.  I may have created this character, but it was the art that gave her life.  Thank you again for allowing me to use these works.  Much Love to you all!!</span>


==Abilities[[File:Cool Text - Abilities 447416598904681.png|left]]==


[[File:Image by Anathematixs.jpg|thumb|left| Original work by Anathematixs  http://anathematixs.deviantart.com/]] 
[[File:Image_by_J_Estacado.gif|thumb|center| Original Art by J-Estacado.  See all amazing art at  http://j-estacado.deviantart.com/]]


[[File:Cooltext447417477336971Master.png|left]]




[[image:Image by Dark Spider2.jpg|thumb|left|Original Art by Dark-Spider.  See all works at http://dark-spider.deviantart.com/]]
[[image:Mercy.jpg|thumb|center|Original Art by Bliky-chan.  See all art at http://bliky-chan.deviantart.com/]]




[[image:CrystalMercy.jpg|thumb|left|Original Art by Sayda.  See all her other awesome works at http://sayda.deviantart.com/]]
[[image:GrievingMother.jpg|thumb|center|Original Art by GloriaPM.  See all her other amazing works.  They can be found here http://gloriapm.deviantart.com/]]


[[image:CrystalModel.jpg|thumb|left|Original Art by Anermik.  All works can be found at http://anermik.deviantart.com/]]




<span style="font-size:17px;">Ironically, Vipers most dangerous ability isn't even a super power.  His greatest asset is that he is a master of true unarmed combat.  There are no "Martial Arts" here.  His fighting style is a compilation of brutal, bone-crunching, street combat techniques that have been tried, tested, and improved over the course of a violent 50 year career.  Vipers knowledge of combat isn't limited to punches and kicks.  He has studied, in depth, the science of violence.  How the human body responds to adrenaline, cortisol, and a cocktail of other chemicals that the brain pumps into you during a fight.  How the increase of heart rate leads to the loss of "Fine" and "Compound" motor controls, and how to fight around it.  He is a true student of violence, always learning, always evolving.  As a human, this made him extremely dangerous.  Given his new abilities, even he hasn't found his limits yet, but they are deadly.</span>




==Equipment[[File:Cool Text - Equipment 447416756594876.png|left]]==


[[File:Cooltext447417551777636Rocket.png|left]]




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<span style="font-size:17px;">Viper can run faster and farther than humans.  He can jump farther and higher than most humans.  However, he still can't fly, and sometimes you need to get somewhere that you can neither run to, or jump to.  So in those cases, he has his trusted Rocket Board.  Certainly a less civilized way to fly, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.  This method of travel isn't particularly fast, or efficient.  However, it does get you from "A" to "B" while allowing you to avoid most danger, or reach difficult areas.</span>




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==Weaknesses[[File:Cool Text - Weaknesses 447416666305694.png|left]]==


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<span style="font-size:17px;">Viper does have some regenerative abilities, and his reflexes make him extremely difficult to hit.  However, *IF* he is hit, he feels it.  His powers do not grant him any special resistances to damage, and so he remains vulnerable to all the same basic damage types that would kill a normal human.  Blades still cut him, his bones still break, and bullets can still kill him.  This is the reason Viper does not recommend attempting to Dodge bullets if it can be helped.</span>






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<span style="font-size:17px;">Viper appears to be vulnerable to temperature, specifically cold temperatures.  Since his transformation, cold seems to feel colder to Lucas.  He is vulnerable to cold temperatures, with extreme cold making him feel exhausted, and sleepy.  While cold temperatures can be fatal to snakes due to their cold-blooded nature, it seems that Vipers human side prevents it from that extreme.  However, slowing his mind, body and reflexes due to the cold, can be just as deadly. </span>




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[[Category:Everlasting]][[Category:Character]][[Category:Male]][[Category:Mutation]][[Category:Mutant]][[Category:Brute]][[Category:Casual Roleplay]][[Category:Mature Roleplay]][[Category:Modern Age]][[Category:Anti-Hero]][[Category:Rogue]]
[[Category:Everlasting]][[Category:Character]][[Category:Female]][[Category:Magic]][[Category:Dominator]][[Category:Casual Roleplay]][[Category:Mature Roleplay]][[Category:Modern Age]][[Category:Anti-Hero]][[Category:Rogue]]

Latest revision as of 17:51, 13 December 2023


BloodMotherTitle.png


Blood-Mother
Player:
[[Image:Image by J Estacado.gif|300px|]]
Corrupted Earth Spirit
Character Build
Origin:
Magic
Archetype:
Dominator
Security Level:
??
Biographical Data
Real Name:
None
Known Aliases:
Crystal Blake
Age:
Dawn of Earth
Gender:
Female
Species:
Earth Spirit
Ethnicity:
None
Birthdate:
Unknown
Birthplace:
Unknown
Relatives:
None
Characteristics
Height:
5'6
Weight:
122lbs
Eyes:
Green
Hair:
Red
Complexion:
Variable
Physical Build:
Variable
Physical Features:
Crystalline Body
Status
Alignment:
██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██

Lawful Evil

Reputation:
██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██ ██

Unknown

Identity:
Semi-Secret
Years Active:
Unknown
Base of Operations:
Paragon City, Rogue Isles
Citizenship:
None
Education:
No Formal
Occupation:
Model
Marital Status:
Single, Never Married
Known Powers and Abilities

- Create and control "Blood Crystals"

- Effectively Immortal
Equipment and Paraphernalia
None
Attributes
 
   Strength
   Endurance
 
   Agility
   Speed
 
   Fighting
   Projectiles
 
   Durability
   Resistance
 
   Intelligence
   Psyche
 
   Intuition
   Charisma
 
ReldinBox Template




Overview
Overview.png

The Blood-Mother is one of the most powerful corrupt nature spirits known to exist. She was born from the corruption within the Earth Mother's spirit caused by all the death and bloodshed throughout the centuries. While all the Blood-Mother's magic abilities are formidable, her nature based powers are truly terrifying.


Appearance
Appearance.png

The Blood-Mother appears to be a woman in her early 30's. She bears black, tattoo-like features on her face, believed to be the mark of a pure nature spirit. Aside from that, her body and face appear to be flawless in every way. Her voice is normally sultry and alluring, but changes to a softer more soothing tone at times. At first glance, she may appear to be the perfect woman.


While some may say her unnatural beauty is due to her being a spirit of nature, that would only be partially true. The Blood-Mother is neither a ghostly spirit, nor is she flesh and blood. She is actually sentient stone (or crystal to be exact), the flesh on her body is simply to maintain a human appearance. The true reason for her beauty is that she is able to sculpt herself into any appearance. While bulkier and less refined in the early days, she is now an artist with Centuries of experience. She can make herself, quite literally, flawless.


Since her shape is created by her own power, she can change her appearance easily. She often switches between different clothes and hairstyles, but often leaves her body and facial features the same. It is possible for her to take any shape, be it a beautiful woman, or a hulking monstrosity.


Powers and Abilities
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The Blood-Mother combines earth, blood, magic, and her own evil taint to create and manipulate a unique substance called "Blood Crystals". These crystals are sharper than razors and harder than diamonds. They share the dark red coloring of their name and have been used in a variety of ways.


Offensively, shards are employed as throwing or stabbing weapons making them a primary method of attack. The Blood-Mother can also create large amounts with frightening speed, using the crystal to encase and incapacitate her foes. She has kept a few of her kills as trophies. Beings that will remain encased and displayed forever.


Defensively, the Blood-Mother can cover her entire body with these razor shards to protect her from physical attacks. Also, since her entire body is made of this same substance she has a high resistance to physical damage. Her body is hard enough to withstand bullets, and laser refract off of her like light in a prism. She does have several distinct weaknesses, none of which she speaks of regularly.


One of the stranger abilities of the Blood-Mother, she is able to merge her spirit with another Mage. Being that her physical body is merely a shell, merging her spirit with another magic user is a simple task if both members are willing. The Mage temporarily gains vast arcane knowledge and an exponential increase in magical power. There is however, a single drawback. The Blood-Mother is, at the simplest definition, and evil taint born of centuries of death and evil. Along with vast power the Mage also quickly becomes more sadistic and corrupt, eventually becoming uncontrollable. Many mages have met their demise in this power mad state, much to the Blood-Mothers amusement.


In fact, she has very little to fear from death. Like nature, her existence moves in cycles. If her physical form is destroyed, she would eventually take a new form, and the cycle would begin again. It has been theorized that the evil spirit could be permanently destroyed through magic, but magic strong enough to destroy the spirit of the Mother Goddess is not known to exist. Ultimately, as long as violence continues to plague the Earth, the Blood-Mother will always exist.


Early History
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Since the dawn of mankind, nature’s spirit has had many names. Gaia, Terra, but most came to refer to her simply as “The Mother”. She was the spirit of the earth and all living things, preserving the natural balance of life, death, and rebirth.


The Mother became aware of a dark corruption within her spirit. A taint born of all the blood spilled into her soil, and her deep hidden anger and resentment towards mankind. This dark corruption began to spread like a virus, and the Mother feared it would overtake her and the balance of nature would be lost forever. So the Mother separated this taint from herself, in turn creating a new spirit. She cast this spirit down, trapping it deep within the Earth, where it was meant to remain forever.


However, this spirit born of the Mother's evil taint had already become strong enough to take physical form. While new to the "living" world and still weak, her influence would touch mankind throughout history.


Akkadian
Akkadian.png

Blood-Mother as "Ki", Goddess of the Earth
The earliest traces of the entity now known as "The Blood-Mother" can be traced back to the Akkadian Empire, soon after Sargon of Akkad defeated Lugal-Zage-Si there by conquering his empire. The evil spirit had taken the form of a beautiful woman and using her powers (though still very weak), was easily able to convince Sargon that she was "Ki" the Goddess of the Earth. Convincing Sargon that he had the blessing and protection of the Gods, Sargon began to invade the surrounding territories. Believing they could not be beaten due to the Gods favor, they advanced quickly and met with great success. During Sargon's life his empire continued to grow through conquering.


By the time Sargon died, the wars had all but died out. They had defeated all within the reach of their empire. Sargon's youngest son Rimush took over the throne. The Blood-Mother was not pleased with this lack of bloodshed, and secretly instigated revolt among the people. Rimush battled many revolts in his 9 years of ruling before he was allegedly assassinated.


Manishtushu, Sargon's eldest son, then took the throne. This son was also assassinated during a Sea battle against 32 Kings who had united against him. Historical records show that at lease 25 of the 32 Kings were approached by a "Beautiful Goddess". These records imply that the Blood-Mother orchestrated the confrontation in secret. Naram-Sin, Sargon's grandson was next in line for the throne. He was easily swayed by "Ki" into further conquest. He pushed his troops forward in one bloody contest after another. He was said to have had an army of 350,000 men, the largest of any up to that date. These battles continued on and off through the passing decades until they culminated with the defeat of the Lullubi.


When Naram-Sin died, his son took over the throne. However, he was never approached by the Goddess Ki. Over the next 100 years, the Empire entered a rapid state of decline. It's borders continued to weaken until the Akkadian's were defeated by the barbarians known as the "Gutians". There barbarians were lead by the Blood-Mother who watched the battle, relishing in the fall of the old empire, her power having been substantially increased over the passed generations. When the battle was over, the mysterious woman was nowhere to be found.


Roman Empire
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During the reign of the Roman Empire, the Blood-Mother relished in luxury under the name "Livia Faustina". Her beauty was revered, and many sought her affections. Enjoying the attention and the finest comforts that Rome could offer, Livia greatly enjoyed her time within the Empire. The Roman Empire was set on conquest, leaving no need for her intervention. Instead, the Blood-Mother enjoyed her beauty and riches (easily provided through magic) while the Empire's conquests fed her power. There were few who knew of her magical nature, and they worshiped her as a goddess much to her delight. It was during this time that the Blood-Mother learned of all the pleasures of the flesh, as the rich and powerful threw lavished parties, and indulged in every delight.


Having money and beauty wasn't enough for her though. She needed power. To that end, she used her wealth to secretly take control of most of the merchant trade within Rome. Soon every major supplier to the Empire was secretly in her employ. This action gave her a great deal of power to manipulate events as she pleased. A useful tool when fighting boredom in the lap of luxury. She had no real goal or endgame in mind. She only knew that she needed to be someone of importance and power.


Of course, Livia still fell prey to the occasional fits of boredom. Throughout her time in Rome, she was secretly responsible for several deaths. She could sense the darkness inside a person, and she was a master at drawing that darkness out. She would take different forms, usually beautiful women and find her victims in the darkness of night. She would encourage their perversity, applaud their cruelty helping them to lose their humanity in a fog of primal rage and lust. Her victims were eventually driven or manipulated into madness and usually arrested for some grievous crime and executed. It was an amusing game to pass the time.


Fall.png





Aside from being fawned over by potential suitors, the woman known as Livia Faustina remained active in social affairs. Behind the scenes, her power continued to increase during Rome's decline and subsequent fall to the Turks in 1453. During Rome's sacking, she left her physical form, which collapsed into a pile of dirt and rocks. She moved the streets as a undetectable spirit, relishing the violence and bloodshed around her. Every death, every crucifixion, every act of cruelty and torture, fueled her power. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Livia had no intention of remaining under the rule of the Turks. She quietly vanished from the city.



The Renaissance
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Blood-Mother as Valeria De Laurentis

After she left the Roman Empire, she traveled to Florence Italy, who at the time was in the midst of the Renaissance. Taking the name "Valeria De Laurentis", she eventually followed the same pattern and became a prominent member of the Merchants Guild. Although she did not hold a high rank within the Guild, her vast wealth placed her at the head of the Aristocracy. As she did in Rome, she spread her influence through Florence, until she secretly controlled most of the merchants within the city and beyond. This time however, she also spread to control most of the illegal activities within the city as well.


Under this identity, she traveled through most of Europe. She spent a majority of her time in England and France. Europe seemed entrenched in war constantly, but the nobility enjoyed lush pampering and luxury. It was the perfect place for Valeria.


Since Europe seemed to spend most of it's time at war already, Valeria had very little influence over historical events. As she traveled through Europe she discovered more about music, and used her time learning to play several instruments including the piano and violin. She discovered the beauty of art and saw first hand the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.


It was perhaps in this time that the entity known as the Blood-Mother, found peace as much as something such as herself can. Society was structured and those lesser knew their place. She spent her time in wealth and luxury as she had become accustomed. She had young men and women at her feet, and beauty all around her. Valeria was content there for many years. However, times changed and the world around her began to shape itself into something she could no longer understand.


People spoke of freedom and equal treatment, as if those beneath her deserved to be treated as equals. In her eyes, despite her charade, nobody was her equal. At least an Aristocracy held to that belief in some way. This "new world" everyone spoke of sounded like a horrible place full of wretches and scum all of whom were supposed to be her equal. Disgusted by the very thought, Valeria left the first and only place she had ever actually called home.


Recent History
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Age of Heroes
Heroes.png

The Blood Mother

The Blood-Mother remained unseen after her departure from Europe. It wasn't until the first heroes and villains began to appear that she resurfaced. Heroes and Villains had become the new Aristocracy, and the Blood-Mother was more than ready to find her place among them. She took the name "Crystal Blake" and settled into the Rogue Isles. It was during this time that she first began to use the moniker of "Blood-Mother", becoming a powerful villainess withing the Rogue Isles.


Unlike a majority of her existence, there was little need for subtlety in this new time. The game was simple; the villains would do whatever they wanted, and the heroes would try to stop them. There were few people who could challenge her vast Arcane power. In fact, it wasn't until she faced a hero calling himself "Statesman" that she met her first true defeat. While her defeat angered her, it was also exhilarating.


The dictator of the Rogue Isles also possessed great power. Lord Recluse and The Blood-Mother fought several times in the early days of heroes. They eventually formed a unspoken treaty, in which they did not interfere in each others schemes to maintain a relative sense of peace in the Isles. Through her arcane research, the Blood-Mother learned the source of both Statesman and Lord Recluse's power. Due to her nature, she could not use the Well of Furies as they did. It was however in her best interests to ensure that nobody else ever found and used the Well. She has repeatedly killed those who got too close to discovering the Well's location.


During her research she also discovered several alternate versions of the world she knew, decades before they became known to the world at large. Including the world known know as Praetorian Earth. This alternate dimension was ruled by Marcus Cole, better known as Statesman. "Emperor Cole" created a utopia on his world, at the expense of freedom. Intrigued by this new world, the Blood-Mother arranged a personal visit.


Praetoria
Praetorian.png

Mercy at the B.A.F.
Crystal used her magic to travel into Praetorian Earth. Although it was meant to be only a short visit, The Blood-Mother would spend years there, using her shape-changing ability to explore the various regions and learn of the worlds history.


The Blood-Mother killed a woman named Natalie Brooks, and assumed her identity. Under this persona, The Blood-Mother worked inside the Behavioral Adjustment Facility (B.A.F.). She met many people with strange and sometimes powerful abilities. However, none caught her attention as much as a young girl named Mercy.


Mercy was just a child, trapped inside a horrible facility. Yet she strolled through the hallways with an innocent smile. When she spoke to "Natalie", she seemed to look through the Blood-Mothers visage. She was a sweet girl, who had the power to open portals between any two points. It was possible that the young girl could have escaped any time she pleased, but the thought had probably never occurred to her. She seemed content, at least for the time being.


As much as she would deny it, a nurturing maternal side is as much in her nature as her violence. Mercy brought this side out of The Blood-mother, and soon Crystal confided in Mercy her true name and nature. Over the following year, Crystal and Mercy grew close. In fact, Crystal soon began to care for Mercy as if she were a daughter. She held as much love for the child as she had ever had for anything in her long existence.


One day, Mercy was taken by the orderlies for "treatment". Unable to let the girl go, Crystal tracked Mercy down in the facility. She found the young girl in a lab, screaming as they ran some kind of experiment on her. A burning rage unlike anything she had ever felt swelled inside of her, and the ancient entities dark magic began to crackle to the surface. The Blood-Mother began to slaughter the scientists inside the lab, followed by the guards responding to the alarm. The Blood-Mothers vast power was overshadowed only by her anger.

After killing everyone she came across, she cut the straps from Mercy's bed, freeing the girl. Mercy reached over, wrapping her small arms around Crystal, hugging her tight. In a calm and soothing voice, Crystal asked Mercy to open a portal to get them out of the facility. Mercy smiled wide and held out her hand as a glowing portal appeared in front of them. They walked through it together entering the relative safety of Praetoria. Soon, the Blood-Mother's magic took them both back to Primal Earth.


Pains.png





Crystal Blake and Mercy Blake
Once free and safely on Primal Earth, the Blood-Mother ceased her role as villainess going off the radar. Crystal took on a new appearance, that would more easily allow her to pass as the girls mother (or older sister). Crystal focused on raising and taking care of the young girl. Mercy seemed to settle in quickly to the "Daughter" role, and the young girl seemed to carry a maturity beyond her years. The same could not be said for Crystal. While Crystal was in fact a loving guardian, she would not be what most would consider a good role model. She once impaled a careless driver who nearly hit Mercy while changing his radio station. While Crystals actions often shocked Mercy, the young girl seemed to understand that the powerful villainess was out of her element, doing the best she could, the only way she knew how.


After the first year things seemed to settle down for them both. Mercy was well provided for, and sometimes a bit too well protected by her adoptive mother. When Mercy hit her teenage rebellion phase, it wasn't pretty. She was able to travel anywhere using her portals, leaving Crystal to magically track down and return the girl. Some would say it was normal family issues, just a bit more epic in it's resolution. Still, Mercy knew when to push and when to back down. It was never far from her mind exactly what Crystal was, and her true nature. Despite their love for one another, Mercy always knew to tread carefully.


When Mercy was 15 years old, their relatively peaceful life was shattered. During a quiet morning breakfast, their home was invaded by Praetorian Police. Mercy dove under the table as Crystal quickly stood from her chair, Blood Crystal blades protruding from her body. The PPD opened fire on her, they're bullets ricocheting off her harmlessly. Crystal began to systematically take down the invading troops in a bloody and brutal display of force. She did leave one of them alive long enough to learn what the purpose of the invasion.


It seemed that Emperor Cole had plans to one day invade Primal Earth, and Mercy was a large piece of that plan. Using her powers, Cole could bypass the worlds defenses and deploy his troops to any location at any time. The Blood-Mothers rescue, disrupted Cole's plans and he ordered his forces to track them down, kill Crystal, and return the girl. It had apparently taken them years to track them down. However, now they had a trail, and they would need to stay on the move to keep Mercy safe.


Darkness Reborn
Darkness.png

A Grieving Mother
Together, Crystal and Mercy evaded or killed several teams of Praetorians over the following years. The teams continued to grow in number and technology. The last attack happened only days before Mercy's 18th birthday. The two were staying in a nice room inside the Golden Giza, when the door was kicked in. Crystal immediately moved to attack, before being struck with a high powered sonic weapon. The sonic vibration was devastating on her crystalline body, causing it to crack almost to the point of shattering. Mercy began to come to her aid, but Crystal ordered her to get away. She was captured before she could open a portal to get out. Two men held her arms, trying to drag her away. Crystal used the last of her strength to throw two large crystal shards, killing both the men. She was hit again with the sonic weapon and her body finally shattered.


Even without a physical form, her spirit remained there, watching events unfold as helpless as a child. She could not have been prepared for what happened next. After collecting Mercy again, they knelt her down in the middle of the room, and without a word, put a bullet into her. Crystal watched as her beloved daughter fell lifeless to the floor, scared and alone.


It would be a week before Crystal was able to take physical form again. Her new body felt more like a shell than ever before, she felt completely empty inside. It didn't take her long to find Mercy's body. She took her daughter from the morgue, and gave her a private burial in a secret place. For the first time in her existence, she collapsed weeping uncontrollably. She had never felt pain like this before, it was encompassing, consuming her entire being.


Then as it always does, her sorrow turned to rage. She no longer cared about her own existence, wealth, power. It all meant nothing to her. The only thing that mattered to her was finding a way to inflict the pain she felt on Emperor Cole and his entire world. Crystal had suppressed many of her violent and primal instincts for the sake of her daughter, but now they rushed to the surface, boiling over her. She knew that Emperor Cole possessed the power of the Well of Furies, a power she could never obtain. There was no way she could beat him in her current state. However, she was not alone, and she had a plan to even the scales.


Power Play
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Shortly after burying Mercy, Crystal returned to Praetoria. Her only ally was here, even if she didn't know it yet. Crystal began to cast a spell. This spell was well known to her, as she used it often to return her to her secret lair whenever the need arises. As she finished casting she was teleported to her lair. She looked around at the stone walls. They looked almost perfect, but there were small differences that most would never notice. However after living for centuries, she knew every crack of her home. She began to walk through the familiar halls, her footsteps echoed through the stone structure.


The sound of her footsteps was broken by a another set of footsteps. They were heavy, loud, and charging towards her. Crystal turned towards the sound with an arched eyebrow. Suddenly, a large Golem made of Blood Crystal charged out of the shadows towards her. She smiled at the sight, imagining how terrifying that would be to a intruder. She held up her hand calmly as the golem crumbled away. Crystal continued moving until she got to the throne room.


"You must be eager to die if you've come here" A female voice said alluringly from the darkness


"I wonder if that sounds as melodramatic when I say it" Crystal replied back


From the throne stood a familiar figure. The Blood-Mother, or at least Praetoria's version of her. Crystal made her way to her doppelganger, explaining why she had come. The Blood-Mother is able to join her spirit with another mage, which increases their power exponentially. However the Blood-Mother's evil taint quickly drives the other mage into an evil madness usually leading to the mage's death. This time however, Crystal wanted to merge their two spirits together. It would create a new Blood-Mother, who's power would rival or possibly exceed an Incarnate.


The Praetorian Blood-Mother seemed less than interested in a permanent joining. Crystal explained that for all the Blood-Mother's power, the one thing she's never really had was a true purpose. Crystal offered her this purpose. Intrigued by this new so-called purpose, the Blood-Mother agreed to share memories with Crystal. She would experience her memories, her life, as if she had lived it herself. Crystal reached out, taking the Blood-Mother's hand, their spirits and minds became one. Crystal watched the Blood-Mother's face as she lived her memories. She saw joy in her eyes as she raised Mercy, and watched the powerful villainess tremble as Mercy was killed.


The combined Blood-Mothers
The Blood-Mother collapsed, tears streaming down her face. She clutched at the tears, unable to believe that she was crying for the first time in her existence.


"They killed her!" The Blood-Mother shouted in anger but still crying


"Yes."' Crystal replied plainly


"This...is our purpose?" The Praetorian asked with a sense of understanding, "Combine our powers so we can destroy Cole?"


"Yes." Crystal replied again in a soothing voice, "We have never loved anything like her. They took that from us, and now they need to pay."


The usual calm countenance of the Blood-Mother was gone, replaced by an animal consumed by sorrow and fury. The Blood-Mother's eyes looked feral, "I'LL BURN THEIR FUCKING WORLD TO ASHES!!"


"Then you'll do it?" Crystal asked


The Blood-Mother did her best to compose herself as she stood, her face calm and determined, "We...owe her that much. You do realize that our combined power could drive us completely mad?"


"For the first time ever...I believe our heart is stronger than our hate"' Crystal replied, "I'm willing to take that chance."


There were no more words needed between the two villains. They began to cast an ancient incantation, and the two ancient spirits merged fully into one. They're new blood-crystal body had to be magically reinforced to withstand the power without shattering. Magical energy cracked and their power reached immeasurable heights as their new form was complete. A new Blood-Mother was born.


Aftermath
AftermathLarge.png

The Blood-Mother confined herself to her lair for the next several weeks, to allow herself to adjust to her new power. She learned to suppress the majority of her abilities, as her full power was almost too destructive. Of course, when needed she was also able to call forth her full magical might to her bidding.


Once she returned to Primal Earth, she began to research Praetorian Earth and Emperor Cole. The existence of Praetoria had since become widely known among the hero and villain populations. Emperor Cole's plan to invade Primal Earth had also begun to circulate. The villains of the Rogue Isles had little interest in stopping him, they were more interested in how they could best profit or benefit by it. Crystal soon realized that her fellow villains would be little help to her in the battle against Praetoria.


It wasn't long until she heard of a strike team that had originated from Paragon City, and had supposedly left quite the dent in Emperor Cole's forces. The team was from a government group called S.C.O.R.P.I.O. Crystal decided it might be time to leave her life as a villainess behind and go to Paragon City to join up with this group. While she wasn't especially keen on the thought of helping a bunch of do-gooders, there was no sacrifice she was not willing to make to see Cole and his entire world burn.


Paragon City had put a program in place for villains who wished to reform, and better serve humanity as heroes. Just saying it made Crystal sick, but she went to Paragon City to "reform" herself. It was a slow and degrading process, watching heroes turn up their noses, and preach foolish concepts like "compassion" and "justice". Still, she endured the torment and her record was eventually cleared, giving her new status as a "Probational Hero".


Crystal Blake Modeling

Honest Living
Honest.png

While being a "Hero" supposedly had it's own rewards, clearly money was not one of them. While Crystal was more than capable of magically creating wealth, Paragon City had it's share of magic and such practices were frowned upon. These peasants still operated under some archaic notion of "earning" your money. Slaving away at menial labor for below average compensation. The foolishness of "good people" still astounded her.


Still, for the sake of her missions, she decided to give "honest living" a shot. Perhaps getting a job would somehow help her keep in touch with some part of the humanity that Mercy had given her. However, there was no way she would lower herself to manual labor. Soon Crystal found her calling in Modeling. She was getting paid large sums of money to simply look amazing (as she always does) and let people take pictures. It would be like paying these pathetic humans for breathing, they're doing it anyway, they mind as well collect the money. The complimented her non-stop as they took pictures, telling her how beautiful she was. Such a job seemed almost criminal, but was well regarded in Paragon City, and helped her avoid menial labor.


The ability to change her looks served her well in her new career, and she met with great success. Crystal Blake was soon a common name in the modeling world. Still, this life she was living was just an illusion, a means to reach her only true goal, vengeance. In order to do that, she had to play by their rules, grit her teeth and endure. She needed to find S.C.O.R.P.I.O. so she would have allies and the means to complete her true objective. .


S.C.O.R.P.I.O.
SCORPIO.png

SCORPIOLONG.png





S.C.O.R.P.I.O. Blood-Mother
Crystal eventually made contact with S.C.O.R.P.I.O. and made her intentions known. She was interviewed and although there were doubts about her motives, her power and knowledge were too much to pass up. Crystal was allowed to join the group and was assigned to the "Arcane-Ops" division. After joining, Crystal fashioned a new S.C.O.R.P.I.O. costume. She took thier standard look and mixed in the design from her own costume, conforming to the standard yet remaining unique. She also shortens her hair while in uniform as it makes it easier for her in combat.


While S.C.O.R.P.I.O. as a whole was quite the impressive operation, she found the "Arcane-Ops" Division lacking. Members were in short supply, leadership was non-existent. At that moment, the only reason that Arcane-Ops probably existed was because it was too much paperwork to disband it. Normally, she wouldn't care, but she had taken a large step towards Emperor Cole, and would not be stopped now. She contacted Command and asked to be put in charge of the Arcane-Ops Division, and presented them a written outline of her plan to increase their numbers. After some debate, her request was granted. She met with the current members at her own personal lair. She taught them that magic is universal, and the only force in existence without limits. The fact that they could tap into that infinite power made them superior to their lesser counterparts. Many of the members felt like outcasts, but her lessons made them believe that they were special.


While Crystal was born of corruption, she is still of the Earth Mother. So, a nurturing, maternal side is as much a part of her as her violence. This maternal side was never more prevalent than it was within the Arcane-Ops Division. Those within it were her children, and she acted as Mother, guide, and mentor. Members treated each other as family, and new members began to come. Most of them outcasts, most of them lost, and many of them far from being heroes. Since she was no hero either, she welcomed them with open arms, and they related to her because she had the same darkness they did. They walked the halls of S.C.O.R.P.I.O. with pride as members of "Arcane-Ops", as they embraced her teaching that they were "Superior". The Blood-Mother seemed to have found a calling that she never knew she had, and the members found a guide.


The Blood-Mother wasn't all praise and bubbles though. She demanded a lot from her members, and did not tolerate disrespect. She expected her members to show her the proper respect, as well as the other members of leadership. If someone got too full of themself and mouthed off to another member of leadership, she was quick to snatch them up and make an example. This rarely happened though, as most members were on their best behavior, representing a division they were proud of. The Arcane-Ops division had gone from barely functioning to the largest Division in the organization in less than two months, and many of it's members were..."morally flexible". The joke became that they had become a "rogues gallery". However, the rag tag mages came together as a unit when it was time for the mission.


Fall of Praetoria
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Crystal and her new Arcane-Ops Division fell into order under the Command of Cyber Knight and Violet Darkmoor. Violet was a friend, lover, and the first and only apprentice of The Blood-Mother. She began as a young, unsure sorceress. One of the original members of Arcane-Ops, whose dedication and integrity had advanced her to the role of Deputy Director. Violet's advancement to second in command of the organization, filled Crystal with a pride she had not felt since Mercy was alive. Crystal knew that not only would Violet be great for the Organization as a whole, but found comfort knowing that Violet would always look out for her old Division, ensuring Arcane-Ops prosperity in the times to come. More importantly, Violet was an example to all the other lost souls in the Division. To see one of their own transform from quiet outcast to confident leader, gave them all hope and pride.


As Emperor Cole became a greater threat, massive organizations of heroes began to bind together to face the new threat. Eventually, a full scale invasion into Praetorian Earth was underway. Normally, the Blood-Mother would have been the first to charge off, looking for Emperor Cole. However, she was different now. Not only changed for the better, but not scared or ashamed to admit it, maybe for the first time. She still wanted Cole dead, but it didn't have to be by her hand. She dedicated her hands and her power to protecting this assorted group of "riff-raff" that she had come to see as her children. She had lost one child already, she wasn't going to lose another one. S.C.O.R.P.I.O. and all it's members fought with bravery and ferocity, against seemingly endless onslaughts of Praetorian machines and "heroes".


Finally, they received word that Emperor Cole had been defeated, but were warned of imminent and growing danger. "Praetoria is doomed", is what they were told, as they were ordered to retreat. Crystal and the other leaders saw to the evacuation of their people. The Blood-Mother took one last look at Praetoria. They had finally faced justice, faced a reckoning for Mercy's death, but Crystal felt nothing. She thought she would feel happy, or relieved, or vindicated, but there was nothing. Her daughter was still gone, her sorrow still eternal, and in the end, the fall of Praetoria and the death of Cole did nothing to change that. She turned away going through the portal, arriving back at the S.C.O.R.P.I.O. HQ. They did a head count and checked for injuries as the exhausted members sprawled across the floors and furniture. Beaten, bloodied, and trying to catch their breath. Smiles and laughter slowly started making their way through the crowd, as the realization that they were victorious sank in.


Once the dust had settled Crystal brought Violet to the secret place that she had buried Mercy. It was hallowed ground to Crystal, but she needed Violet there. She had done this alone for so long, it was comforting to have someone with her, even if she would never admit it. At the grave was a massive stone mural. This huge white marble slab was flawless, and gleamed under the sun. In the middle of the Mural was Mercy, carved just she looked as a child when Crystal first met her. From her back were two massive Angel Wings, the light emanating from the girl, repelling all the darkness around her. In her hands, she held a heart made of Blood-Crystal, her wings beginning to curve around it, like she was protecting it from the darkness. The Mural was beyond anything Violet had ever seen. Every inch, every detail, meticulously crafted by a centuries old master sculptor. It was a work of art so beautiful, and so flawless, that it didn't seem real. It felt like staring into Heaven itself, and being so overwhelmed by the beauty, you just weep. Crystal walked up to the Mural, tracing her fingers across her daughters face. There was so much she wanted to say, but "I love you, always." was all she could muster. Violet ran up, grabbing Crystal and hugging her tight, sharing Crystal's pain and burden. They looked at each other and nodded silently. Violet took Crystal's arm and they left that sacred place. Ready to move on with a new chapter, whatever that may be.














Original Art and Credit
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This FSBA Wiki was imported from it's original VIRTUEVERSE entry, created back in 2011, during City of Heroes LIVE. During the entries original creation, all Artists were contacted and gave permission to use their works provided appropriate credit was given. I want to personally thank all those artists. Your artwork inspired me to write, and write, and keep writing. Every image inspired a new chapter in Crystal Blake's life, inspired the youthful innocence of Mercy Blake, and the sorrow of loss. I may have created this character, but it was the art that gave her life. Thank you again for allowing me to use these works. Much Love to you all!!


Original work by Anathematixs http://anathematixs.deviantart.com/
Original Art by J-Estacado. See all amazing art at http://j-estacado.deviantart.com/


Original Art by Dark-Spider. See all works at http://dark-spider.deviantart.com/
Original Art by Bliky-chan. See all art at http://bliky-chan.deviantart.com/


Original Art by Sayda. See all her other awesome works at http://sayda.deviantart.com/
Original Art by GloriaPM. See all her other amazing works. They can be found here http://gloriapm.deviantart.com/
Original Art by Anermik. All works can be found at http://anermik.deviantart.com/




































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