Redrum

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Coat Redrum's appearance is nothing short of mesmerizing. His striking coat is a unique blend of red fur and bold stripes, with shades ranging from deep vermilion to soft beige. The lighter underfur subtly tempers his vivid crimson body, creating a captivating contrast. Eye-catching stripes slice through the lighter hues, adding to his distinctive look. His face is adorned with intricate, curving markings below his eyes and along his muzzle, enhancing his already remarkable appearance.

Build Brimming with unshakeable confidence, his powerful, hardened frame commands attention. He's built for the hunt, every sinew primed to overpower his prey. His movements are wild and erratic, like a beast barely restrained, a constant struggle for grace in his predatory dance. His gaze locks onto you with the intensity of a feline poised to strike, his shoulders and hips locked in a relentless, stalking rhythm.

Countenance His most mesmerizing feature is undoubtedly his eyes—golden orbs flecked with green. Depending on the time of day, they shift between these hues, creating a captivating blend that is both intense and perceptive, with a predatory edge. Redrum's wicked smile, brimming with mischief and mirth, is a trait he inherited from his mother, and one he can hardly restrain.

Voice His voice, a low timbre that will deepen with age, carries a haunting disjointed quality, a permanent mark left by a severe head trauma he suffered as a young child. This same injury has also given his movements a mechanical, almost robotic precision, forever altering the way he navigates the world.

Scent He exudes a primal, earthy aroma, laced with the unmistakable scent of metallic blood—a signature of any true predator. In Redrum's case, the scent is especially potent, a testament to his indifference toward washing away the remnants of his kills. His coat conceals it just enough, leaving him with no reason to bother.

Mutations His ears are strikingly unique, remarkably long, pointed, and slender, standing proudly atop his head like elegant sentinels. Imagine the sleek, cropped ears of a dog, but extended to an extraordinary length.

Design Notes: Some of his art may have an elongated tail, this is not an accurate feature here on Ardent.

Quirks & Afflictions Redrum, like his mother, sometimes speaks in the third person due to a habit called illeism. While he tries to control this around strangers, his speech and movements are also affected by a neurological condition caused by head trauma. This condition, known as Symptomatic myoclonus, results in persistent, shock-like muscle contractions that make him appear twitchy and cause involuntary spasms. Though Redrum's case is moderate, it noticeably impacts his daily life, causing issues with movement and communication. In severe instances, this condition can significantly hinder a person's ability to eat, talk, or walk.

Companions A female white merlin falcon named Eviscerate. Evi for short. And a male white merlin falcon named Viscera. Vis for short. (Red's a little morbid, thanks mom.)

Accessories 3 symmetrical sets of golden piercings in his ears, 2 near the base on the outermost edge and 1 at the very top of each ear. Reinforced feline claws fitted over his own. And a Large feline skull mask with lower jaw attached below his own, capable of opening and closing via hinges, secured with straps.

Impulsive He's the tightrope walker on the edge of insanity, balancing on impulse and instinct. His soul craves fulfillment, whether in the embrace of pure delight or the depths of darker urges. He revels in the joy of proving every facet of his identity as worthy of life, monstrous or gentle.

Mischievous Mischief becomes an art form in the hands of Redrum. Armed with an irreverent sense of humor and a devilish glint in his eyes. You never quite know what he'll do next, for better or for worse. His actions can be erratic and unpredictable, making it difficult to anticipate or control his behavior. He might not be evil, but he will always be unpredictable.

Charming He’s not afraid to use his pleasant looks to sway a heart or two, and his wicked smile? His charisma is a force to be reckoned with, a potent blend of magnetism and quirks. Redrum will treat you as you treat him, so it’s best to keep on his good side – or else you’ll incite a rather moody brute who can easily switch from sweetheart to raging prick. Your pick.

Isolated Beneath the surface of his charisma lies a labyrinth of insecurities and vulnerabilities he'd rather keep hidden from the world. He's a kindred spirit to those who know the struggle of fighting their own demons, as he struggles with mental illness and his neurological issues. It can all lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, as he struggles to connect with others on a meaningful level. Seeing most relationships as fleeting things, like temporary hunting parties until each goes their separate ways. Fluctuations in his mood and behavior due can also make him unpredictable and lend more to his turmoil. Especially due to his inferiority complex, he despises being seen as prey or weak. It is a major trigger for him, and can bring about blackouts of a fight or flight fueled nature. He becomes a primal force, driven only by instinct until he has met his goal, whatever it may be. He comes off as predatory, a hunter among hunters, and unfortunately his mannerisms make that worse. Some might not take kindly to his ways.

Adaptable Amidst his chaotic nature, there lies a surprising ability to rein himself in when faced with serious matters, if given enough time to prepare himself in advance. Like a sailor navigating stormy seas, he possesses a keen sense of when to batten down the hatches and steer a steady course. When the stakes are high and the gravity of the situation demands it, he can summon a remarkable level of self-control, anchoring himself in rationality and composure. He morphs into whatever role is needed, whether it be a comforting shield or a ferocious guardian, always striving to keep his loved ones safe from harm. Family means more than anything to him, no matter the cost. With the help of a healer's hand, he can ease his mind and his spasming musculature. Quiet the noises in his head, silence the feline hissing and screeching he hears at times - a product of his trauma.

Obsessive Redrum is capable of making profound bonds, but you may want to enter into his circle with thick skin to combat his turbulent nature. He becomes what you need him to be, custom made and ready to be used. Those drawn into his orbit may find themselves ensnared in his protective web, where their well-being becomes intertwined with his own mental state. His affection can be overwhelming and consuming, challenging even -- to withstand the intensity of his possessive nature. The nature of a predator protecting his territory. He loves very hard, in all forms.

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Redrum will experience tactile/auditory hallucinations that become more and more common as he ages. Coupled with an apparent mood disorder that leaves him to experience highs and lows frequently, as well as feel his emotions with great intensity.

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