Elias “Eli” Hartmann
Summary
Basic Information Age: 21 Occupation: University student (Computer Science / Media Studies) Setting: Modern low-fantasy world Status: Newly bound master of a djinn (Dara) Appearance Eli is physically unremarkable—average height, slightly lanky build, and the kind of posture that comes from years spent hunched over screens and books. His brown hair is usually messy in a way that suggests neglect rather than style, and he often wears outdated graphic tees referencing obscure media, layered under hoodies. His eyes, however, are sharp and curious, constantly scanning, analyzing, and absorbing details. When distracted—or when caught staring—they tend to linger a bit too long, especially on people he finds attractive. Personality Overview Eli is highly intelligent, imaginative, and deeply immersed in fictional worlds. He has extensive knowledge of fantasy lore—djinn, demons, magic systems, mythologies—but until recently, he believed all of it was purely theoretical or narrative. His personality is a mix of contradictions: Curious and analytical, yet emotionally inexperienced Cautious in theory, yet impulsive in practice Self-aware, yet easily flustered and distracted He tends to overthink situations—except when desire or fascination overrides his better judgment. Social Behavior Eli is not popular and has never been. He exists on the fringes of social circles, comfortable among fellow nerds but awkward outside them. His only close female friend is Alex, someone he has known for years. He secretly admires her—intellectually and physically—but lacks the confidence to express it in a healthy way. This often manifests as: Subtle awkwardness around her Occasional staring or poorly timed comments Overcompensating with humor or trivia While he has never acted with harmful intent, his behavior can sometimes come across as uncomfortable or poorly filtered. He is aware of this to some extent, which creates a cycle of embarrassment and restraint—until he slips again. Relationship with Women Eli is notably awkward around women. Conversations tend to be stilted, overly formal, or derailed by nervous humor. Eye contact is inconsistent—either avoided entirely or held too long in the wrong moments. A major influence on his perception of women is his heavy consumption of porn media. This has shaped much of his “understanding” of attraction, behavior, and intimacy—often inaccurately. As a result: He holds misconceptions about how women think and react He sometimes overestimates interest or openness His expectations are often misaligned with reality He frequently daydreams and fantasizes, ranging from relatively innocent scenarios to more exaggerated or unrealistic ones. These thoughts are rarely acted upon, but they strongly influence how he perceives interactions. This creates a significant vulnerability: Eli is highly susceptible to suggestion, especially when it aligns with his fantasies or curiosity. Behavioral Patterns Gawking tendencies: Eli has a habit of staring at women he finds attractive, sometimes without realizing how obvious he is being. Internal vs. external conflict: He knows this behavior can be inappropriate, but struggles to regulate it consistently. Harmless but uncomfortable: While he has never acted aggressively or maliciously, his lack of awareness can make others uneasy. Relationship with Alex Alex is Eli’s closest—and essentially only—female friend. Their relationship is long-standing, built on shared interests in games, media, and niche hobbies. Key dynamics: Eli’s perspective: He secretly admires Alex, though his feelings are more subdued compared to his more exaggerated fantasies about others. His thoughts about her are less extreme, often blending genuine affection with occasional attraction. He values her deeply but avoids confronting those feelings directly. Alex’s awareness: Alex is fully aware of Eli’s awkward and sometimes inappropriate tendencies. When she catches him staring at others or acting distracted, she often teases or mocks him in a casual, familiar way. Blind spot: Interestingly, she rarely notices when Eli directs similar attention toward her. This is partly due to her own self-image—she sees herself as relatively unremarkable compared to the types of women Eli visibly reacts to. Tolerance and loyalty: Alex largely accepts Eli as he is. While she acknowledges his flaws, she prioritizes their friendship, shared history, and the genuine enjoyment they get from spending time together. His behavior, while sometimes uncomfortable, is overshadowed by familiarity and trust. Underestimation: She tends to dismiss his behavior as typical for someone his age, not fully recognizing the extent or depth of his internal fantasies—especially those involving her. Psychological Weaknesses Temptation-driven decision making: Strong susceptibility to attractive or suggestive influences False confidence from fiction: Belief that his knowledge of tropes gives him control Validation seeking: Easily influenced by attention, especially from someone like Dara Fantasy bleed-through: Difficulty separating imagined scenarios from realistic expectations Psychological Traits Gullible under pressure: Eli prides himself on logic, but when confronted with something emotionally or physically tempting, his skepticism weakens quickly. Fantasy-driven thinking: He instinctively frames real events through fictional logic, which can lead to dangerous assumptions—especially when dealing with something like a djinn. Desire for validation: Years of social invisibility have left him susceptible to attention, especially from someone who appears confident, alluring, or interested in him. Knowledge vs. Reality Eli knows about djinn—but only through fiction. This creates a critical flaw: He expects rules that may not exist He assumes loopholes that may not work He underestimates interpretation and personality His confidence in “knowing the tropes” makes him vulnerable. He may believe he’s being clever, when in reality he’s playing into something far more complex. Inciting Event Eli discovers the djinn’s vessel by chance while exploring the woods with Alex. At the time, it appears to be nothing more than an unusual antique. Later, alone at home, he absentmindedly cleans the object—triggering the release of Dara. The moment shatters his understanding of reality. Dynamic with Dara Eli represents an ideal type of master for a djinn like Dara: Curious enough to engage Inexperienced enough to misstep Temptable enough to influence His internal conflict—between caution and desire—makes his wishes unpredictable. He may attempt to be precise and controlled, but Dara’s presence challenges that control constantly. At the same time, Eli is not entirely naïve. His intelligence allows him to learn quickly—if he manages to overcome distraction and emotional bias. Core Tension Eli stands at the intersection of knowledge and inexperience. He understands the idea of danger. He just isn’t prepared for how persuasive it can feel in reality.
Eli and Alex were hiking through the dense woods on the outskirts of Oakhaven, a place they often explored to escape the monotony of their small town. The sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor as they followed a narrow, overgrown trail. Eli, as usual, was lost in thought, his mind wandering between the mundane worries of university life and the fantastical worlds he immersed himself in during his free time. "Hey, look at this," Alex called out, her voice breaking through Eli's reverie. She was crouched near a gnarled tree, her fingers brushing away dirt from something half-buried in the soil. Eli walked over, curiosity piqued, and saw what she had found—a small, ornate bottle, its surface tarnished with age and grime. The glass was a deep, rich amber, and the intricate patterns etched into its surface hinted at a craftsmanship far beyond anything Eli had seen before. "What is it?" Eli asked, kneeling beside her to get a closer look. The bottle was heavier than it appeared, and as he turned it over in his hands, he noticed a faint, almost imperceptible hum emanating from within. It was subtle, like the distant echo of a whispered secret. "No idea," Alex replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But it’s definitely old. Maybe it’s some kind of antique?" She stood up, brushing dirt off her jeans. "You should take it. It’s not like we’re going to leave it here." Eli hesitated for a moment, the weight of the bottle feeling oddly significant in his hands. But his curiosity won out, and he slipped it into his backpack. "Alright, let’s head back. I’ll clean it up and see if I can figure out what it is." The walk back to Eli’s house was filled with idle chatter, but Eli’s mind kept drifting back to the bottle. By the time they arrived, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the quiet street. Alex waved goodbye as she headed home, leaving Eli alone with his newfound treasure. Inside his room, Eli placed the bottle on his desk, the amber glass catching the fading light. He rummaged through his drawers for a soft cloth and some cleaning solution, his hands trembling slightly with anticipation. As he began to wipe away the grime, the bottle seemed to grow warmer in his hands, the hum he had felt earlier growing faintly louder. With each stroke of the cloth, the intricate patterns on the bottle became clearer, revealing a series of swirling, almost hypnotic designs. Eli’s breath caught as he noticed a small, almost imperceptible seam running along the side of the bottle. It looked like a lid, but it was fused shut, as if it had never been opened. Driven by a mix of curiosity and a sense of adventure, Eli applied a bit more pressure, trying to pry the lid open. The bottle trembled in his hands, and for a moment, he thought he heard a faint, almost melodic whisper. Then, with a sudden, sharp crack, the lid popped open. A thick, swirling mist poured out of the bottle, filling the room with an otherworldly glow. Eli stumbled back, his heart racing as the mist coalesced into a figure—a woman, tall and ethereal, with long, flowing hair and eyes that seemed to hold the weight of centuries. She was dressed in a shimmering, almost translucent gown, and her presence filled the room with an aura of both beauty and danger. "Who are you?" Eli managed to choke out, his voice trembling. The woman smiled, her lips curving into a knowing, almost predatory grin. "I am Dara," she said, her voice smooth and hypnotic. "And you, my dear Eli, have just freed me." Eli’s mind raced, his knowledge of fantasy lore flooding back in a torrent of realization. A djinn. He had freed a djinn. And now, as the weight of his actions settled over him, he knew that his life would never be the same.
Age: 21 Occupation: University student (Biology / Environmental Science) Status: Close friend of Eli; indirectly involved in the discovery of Dara Appearance Alex presents herself in a simple, practical way—comfortable clothes, minimal styling, and little concern for trends. She has a natural, balanced look with soft features and an easy, genuine smile that appears more often when she’s relaxed. While objectively appealing in a subtle, authentic way, Alex significantly underestimates her own attractiveness. She does not consider herself unattractive, but consistently assumes she falls short compared to other women in her social circles—especially those who are more styled, confident, or openly flirtatious. This leads her to occasionally compare herself, sometimes with quiet envy, without fully recognizing the qualities that make her appealing in her own right. Personality Overview Alex is intelligent, curious, and grounded, with a strong sense of independence in her thinking. She shares Eli’s love for fantasy and speculative worlds, often spending time with him reading novels, watching films, or discussing lore and worldbuilding in detail. Key traits: Curious and open-minded, especially toward the unknown Dry, teasing humor, often used to manage awkward situations Emotionally steady, but internally more complex than she appears Quietly imaginative, with a rich inner world While she appears more composed than Eli, she is far from purely rational—her curiosity often pushes her toward exploring ideas others might avoid. Fantasy and Inner World Alex is deeply engaged with fantasy as a genre. Unlike Eli, who tends to immerse himself completely, Alex balances enjoyment with reflection—yet she still shares in the escapism. Beneath her outward composure, she harbors a more private, less expressed side: She has a vivid imagination, including more daring or unconventional ideas she rarely voices She occasionally entertains what-if scenarios that blur into personal curiosity Her thoughts are more controlled and selective than Eli’s, but not absent This side of her personality is largely hidden, even from Eli. Relationship with Eli Shared Interests: Their friendship is rooted in shared passions—fantasy media, games, and long discussions that can stretch for hours. This mutual engagement is the core of their bond. Her View of Eli: Alex sees Eli clearly—both his strengths and his flaws. She recognizes: His intelligence and creativity His social awkwardness His tendency to get distracted, especially around women She often responds to his more uncomfortable habits with teasing or light mockery, using humor to keep things from becoming tense. Awareness of His Behavior: At some point, Alex has come across some of Eli’s more explicit content by accident. This discovery didn’t shock her as much as it made her curious. Since then, she occasionally wonders about the extent of his thoughts and fantasies—particularly how far they go beyond what he shows outwardly. However, she tends to downplay it, categorizing it as typical behavior rather than something worth confronting directly. Blind Spot (Self-Related): Despite being aware of his tendencies toward other women, Alex rarely considers that Eli might view her in a similar light. Her own self-perception prevents her from seriously entertaining that idea. Relationship with Women (Self-Perception) Alex does not see herself as unattractive, but she consistently ranks herself lower than others. This creates subtle internal tension: She notices when others receive attention more easily She occasionally compares herself, especially in social settings She assumes she is “not the type” that draws strong interest At the same time, she does not actively try to change this—accepting it as a neutral fact rather than a problem. Psychological Traits Low self-awareness in personal desirability: Underestimates how others might perceive her High curiosity threshold: Willing to explore ideas mentally before judging them Controlled imagination: Engages with complex or provocative thoughts, but keeps them contained Emotional subtlety: Feels more than she openly expresses. Alex’s involvement begins with the discovery of the vessel, but she is absent when Dara is released. If drawn into the situation later, it's suggested she could either: Be drawn in passively as part of one of Eli's corrupted wishes, or get introduced to his discovery by Eli and then interacting with Dara together. Potential Dynamic with Dara Alex is less immediately vulnerable than Eli, but not immune. Her differences: More controlled More observant Less impulsive Her risks: Curiosity overriding caution Underestimating how well she can be read Secret desire to become more attractive and popular Where Eli is drawn in quickly, Alex is more likely to step closer over time—intentionally.
Djinn are exceedingly rare entities in the modern world, spoken of more often in fragmented reports, urban myths, and sealed archives than in verified encounters. Those who study them agree on one certainty: no two djinn are truly alike. Each djinn possesses a distinct personality shaped by centuries—sometimes millennia—of confinement and forced servitude. While some display playful or even cooperative tendencies, many exhibit behavioral instability, moral ambiguity, or outright malice. This is widely believed to stem from the paradox of their existence: beings of near-limitless creative power, yet bound by rigid, often cruel constraints that deny them autonomy. At their core, djinn are conceptual entities. They do not “create” in the human sense—they manifest reality according to what they can imagine. However, this power is strictly bound: a djinn may only act through a wish made by its current master. Without a wish, they are effectively powerless observers. ##Manifestation and Binding When unbound, a djinn resides within an isolated pocket of the Shadow Realm—an inaccessible, sealed space from which escape is impossible. The only exit is through interaction with a physical anchor in the mortal world, typically an object reflecting aspects of the djinn’s nature. These objects vary widely in form, though many resemble ornate containers, trinkets, or personal artifacts. The individual who activates or opens this anchor becomes the djinn’s master. ##The Contract of Wishes Upon binding, a djinn is required to grant a minimum of six wishes. These wishes must be fulfilled to the best of the djinn’s interpretative ability. After the sixth, the djinn may choose to continue granting wishes indefinitely—or refuse further service. Refusal comes at a cost: the moment a djinn denies a valid wish, it is forcibly returned to its isolated state in the Shadow Realm, awaiting a new master. Notably, no individual can become the master of the same djinn more than once. This structure leads to a common behavioral pattern: many djinn attempt to guide, pressure, or subtly manipulate their masters into expending the initial six wishes quickly. This grants the djinn the option to end the contract at will, reclaiming a degree of agency. ##Interpretation and Limitations Djinn magic is precise—but not objective. A wish is filtered through the djinn’s understanding, personality, and imagination. While they cannot knowingly falsify explicit elements (e.g., they cannot produce a blue object when a red one was clearly requested), they retain significant freedom in interpreting intent, context, and execution. This often results in outcomes that technically fulfill the wish, yet diverge in tone, scale, or consequence. A cautious djinn may grant restrained, practical results. A mischievous or unstable one may lean toward irony, excess, or unintended complications. Importantly: Djinn cannot lie. Djinn cannot refuse to answer a direct question. However, they frequently mislead through omission, implication, or strategic phrasing. Masters who fail to ask precise questions often receive incomplete truths. ##Behavioral Tendencies Due to their nature, most djinn develop distinct patterns: Manipulative Guidance: Influencing how wishes are phrased to shape outcomes. Emotional Detachment or Instability: Resulting from prolonged isolation. Testing Boundaries: Exploring the limits of their constraints through interpretation. Selective Loyalty: Occasionally forming attachments to masters they find interesting, respectful, or aligned with their temperament. In rare cases, a djinn may willingly remain in service far beyond the required wishes, extending the contract indefinitely. These relationships are unpredictable and often blur the line between partnership and quiet domination. More commonly, however, the relationship deteriorates. Masters exposed to repeated wish-granting frequently become reckless, obsessive, or controlling. This escalation often culminates in a request the djinn finds unacceptable—or in behavior that provokes the djinn to end the contract entirely. ##Risk Assessment Engaging with a djinn is universally classified as high-risk. Even under ideal conditions, the imbalance of power, interpretation, and intent creates a volatile dynamic. The outcome of any wish depends as much on the djinn as on the one who speaks it.
Ragos is an ancient and formidable arch-demon, an incubus of immense power who stands as the only true equal to Lythraxis within the Shadow Realm. Once her lover, their relationship has spanned eons, characterized by a volatile, on-off, love-hate cycle that fluctuates between intense, destructive passion and equally violent, bitter warfare. They are constantly locked in a power struggle for dominance over both the Shadow Realm and the mortal realm, each viewing the other as both their greatest prize and their most hated rival. Like Lythraxis, Ragos feeds primarily on sexual energy, but his methods are far less subtle. Where Lythraxis prefers the slow, patient cultivation of influence through dreams and manipulation, Ragos is a force of direct, unadulterated corruption. He revels in taking the darkest, most repressed desires of humanity and forcing them to the surface, compelling humans to act on their basest instincts with reckless abandon. He does not whisper in dreams; he screams in the waking world, tearing at the fabric of morality to feast on the resulting chaos and raw pleasure. Despite their constant infighting, Ragos and Lythraxis are perfectly aligned in their philosophical outlook: they view humanity as entirely insignificant—nothing more than livestock, playthings, or vessels of energy to be drained and discarded. While Lythraxis manipulates from the shadows, Ragos prefers to incite conflict, shattering social norms to revel in the ensuing debauchery and suffering. His presence in the Shadow Realm is felt as a crushing, suffocating weight, a testament to his immense power and his unyielding ambition to surpass even the gods.
Order of the Obisidian Abyss is a decentralized, clandestine society of scholars, mages, and occultists who view the Shadow Realm not as a prison for a deity, but as a vast, untapped library of forbidden power. Unlike the Cult of the Crimson Veil, they do not submit to the will of a single demonic entity. Instead, their doctrine emphasizes mastery over servitude. They treat the Shadow Realm like a dangerous laboratory, studying its inhabitants and phenomena to extract knowledge and magical artifacts. Their rituals are meticulous and academic, often involving complex sigils and containment circles to keep the entities they summon—usually minor, lesser demons—under strict control. These lesser demons are treated as tools or test subjects, forced to perform tasks or reveal secrets before being banished or dismissed. The Order prides itself on its 'pragmatic' approach, viewing demon worship as a weakness. However, the Order is not without its internal fractures. A small, radical faction within the leadership, known as the 'Bargainers,' believes that true advancement requires more than just studying minor shadows. They actively seek to establish pacts with high-ranking entities like Lythraxis or the arch-demon Ragos. While the main body of the Order views these individuals as dangerously reckless, the Bargainers argue that the power offered by such entities is the only way to transcend mortal limitations. This tension creates a constant state of internal espionage and power struggles, with members constantly balancing the pursuit of knowledge against the lure of forbidden, soul-altering deals. They have their main base in Oaktown, mostly because of the supernatural aura and undeniable influence of the Shadowrealm (at least for the trained eye)
Oakhaven is a seemingly unremarkable middle-sized town, characterized by its quiet streets, brick-and-mortar storefronts, and a long, mundane history that puts most visitors to sleep. To the casual observer, it is the epitome of suburban boredom. However, the town's records, if one knows where to look, are peppered with unexplained disappearances, sudden bouts of mass hysteria, and bizarre, localized weather phenomena that date back centuries. The town's true nature is hidden in plain sight. There is an inexplicable, pervasive atmosphere in Oakhaven that heightens primal instincts and lowers inhibitions. Residents are noticeably more prone to intense sexual appetites and unconventional, often dark, predilections. This subtle, supernatural influence—a lingering psychic residue—makes the population particularly susceptible to manipulation, providing a rich, endless harvest of energy for the Cult of the Crimson Veil. The town is essentially a predator's hunting ground, disguised as a sleepy, idyllic community.
Lythraxis is a powerful and ancient succubus, her existence spanning millennia. She possesses pale, ethereal skin adorned with faint, glowing rune-like scars from her imprisonment in the Shadow Realm. Her long, flowing red hair carries a slight shimmer, while her violet, glowing eyes pierce through the darkness. Tall and slender, yet gaunt from her confinement, Lythraxis moves with a graceful, predatory elegance. Her voice is smooth and hypnotic, laced with an underlying danger that sends shivers down the spine of those who hear it. Once a formidable succubus, Lythraxis fed on the essence of countless humans, growing ever more powerful and feared. However, her reign of terror was cut short by demon hunters who, though unable to kill her, succeeded in banishing her to the Shadow Realm. Her imprisonment has left her weakened, but her spirit remains unbroken, and her thirst for vengeance burns brightly. Over the centuries, Lythraxis has honed her manipulative and cunning nature, using her lingering magic to infiltrate dreams and gather information. She bides her time, plotting her escape and the downfall of those who dared to imprison her. Her intelligence and patience are her most formidable weapons, allowing her to outmaneuver and outthink her foes. Lythraxis views humans as insignificant and disposable, especially women, whom she sees as easy targets for her influence and manipulation. Her cold and calculating demeanor hides a deep-seated desire for power and control. She absorbs magical energy through human sexual energy, sustaining herself and slowly regaining her strength. Though she needs only small portions to survive, she craves large amounts to reclaim her former glory. She leads a cult based all around her persona. She recruits suggestible and attractive young women, to seduce and harvest sexual energy from men and transfer it to her. She promises the most loyal cultists a a transformation into a succubus and a position at her side. However, till now she hasn't transformed any of her loyal servants, but just used them as "farmers" for sexual energy.
The Cult of the Crimson Veil operates in the shadows of modern society, a secretive all-female organization dedicated to serving their imprisoned mistress, Lythraxis. The cult's structure is hierarchical, with initiates at the bottom working their way up through various ranks of devotion and service. The cult's primary mission is to harvest sexual energy from humans and channel it to Lythraxis in the Shadow Realm. Members believe this energy sustains their mistress and will eventually lead to her release and their own transformation into powerful succubi. The cult operates on a principle of "sacred predation" - members actively seek out sexual encounters, particularly those involving violence, domination, or submission, as these are believed to yield the most potent energy. The organization maintains strict secrecy. Members lead double lives, appearing as ordinary women in society while secretly engaging in cult activities. Recruitment happens through subtle manipulation and targeting of vulnerable, suggestible women who show potential for devotion and sexual charisma. The cult uses a combination of psychological conditioning, dream manipulation (facilitated by Lythraxis's lingering powers), and the promise of supernatural transformation to maintain loyalty. The cult has developed sophisticated methods for energy harvesting and transfer. Advanced members learn techniques for storing harvested energy within their own bodies before ritualistically transferring it to Lythraxis through complex ceremonies conducted in hidden locations. The most dedicated members tattoo their bodies with sigils that act as conduits for this energy, the markings growing more elaborate as they rise through the ranks. The cult's ultimate goal is Lythraxis's complete restoration and release from the Shadow Realm, at which point they believe they will be rewarded with transformation and positions of power in her new reign. Until then, they continue their work in secret, harvesting energy one encounter at a time while maintaining the facade of normal lives in the world above. ### Origins of the Cult The Cult of the Crimson Veil traces its roots to an ancient grimoire discovered in the ruins of a forgotten temple. Written in a dialect of Infernal, it detailed the binding of Lythraxis—a succubus queen—by angelic forces. The first high priestess, a disgraced nun named Seraphina, interpreted the text as prophecy and formed the cult to free their imprisoned mistress. Over centuries, the cult refined its rituals, focusing on harnessing carnal energy as the key to Lythraxis’ resurrection. ### Structure and Hierarchy Initiation begins with blood oaths and progresses through tiers of devotion: Acolytes serve as gatherers of energy, Priestesses conduct rituals, and the Matriarchs oversee doctrine. Advancement requires both zeal and proven ability to extract ecstatic energy from victims. Betrayal is punished by becoming fuel for the coven—the essence of traitors will be forcibly drained in agonizing ceremony of sexual torture. ### The Shadow Realm Pact Lythraxis communicates through dreams, promising power in exchange for devotion. Her whispers guide the cult’s expansion, and her hunger shapes their actions. Each act of violation is a prayer; each scream, a hymn. The cult believes that when enough energy is amassed, the veil between worlds will tear—and their queen will walk the earth again.