# 2023 Judge NPCs NPCs created by our 2023 helper judges! # Nephropidae
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> Let me guess, you're new around here and require my services? > > No? Then there's no reason for you to be here. Come back when you need something. I've got more important things to do. *-- Nephro*
Table of Contents 1. [Backstory](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Personality](#bkmrk-personality) 3. [Abilities](#bkmrk-abilities) 4. [Job & Skills](#bkmrk-strengths) 5. [Location](#bkmrk-weaknesses) 6. [Gallery](#bkmrk-gallery) 7. [Author's Notes](#bkmrk-author%27s-notes)
### Backstory --- Hailing from a world of super heroes and villains, Nephropidae is the son of the infamous Dr. Calamity. **Born with an unknown debilitating illness**, Nephro has lost the functions of his legs and right arm. His father managed to replace these with machinery, 'turning him into a living weapon for revenge. However Nephro could care less about his father's vengeance, and instead wishes to pursue a permanent solution to cure for his illness. Nephro received an invite to Crossroads, but unlike most winners, he did not use his wish to cure himself. **To him, magic is a pathetic and cheap solution to ones problems.** Instead, he took this opportunity to find other researchers and scientists to collaborate formulas and solutions to his illness. Wanting to take this formulaic cure **home** to aid those who may also be suffering from similar conditions. In turn, he has **offered to provide weapons, tools and technological services** to those who request them. This only sated him for so long unfortunately, as time waits for no one. Nearing his breaking point, Nephro did what he swore he never would. He turned to looking at magic for aid. Still insistent on avoiding the easy route, **he sought tutelage from [Saki](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/npcs/page/saki),** who eased him into the ways of alchemy. He's been a practicing alchemist of four years now and is now **able to provide enchantment and artifact repair services.** That all said, it's still quite possible that he has access to his wish somewhere... ### Personality --- Nephro is a fairly serious, no-nonsense man. Obedient and polite, he is fairly difficult to anger as he hides his frustration well beneath his apathetic scowl. He indulges in conversation only if necessary and is **not one for small talk.** He is blunt and direct, wanting to get straight to the point. Patrons only come to him for supplies or equipment. There should be no further interest! However, Nephro **will never turn a blind eye to another inventor or scientist**. It's one of the few times he is more than eager to keep talking. He'll inquire about their creations and when asked about his own, he is usually willing to present some of his projects and can sometimes get lost in all the technological talk that someone might have to snap him back to reality. Despite being the son of a super villain, Nephro absolutely loathes the terms of Heroes and Villains, as both have brought him nothing but pain and loss in his lifetime. He does not put himself on either side and instead focuses on the himself. Don't bring that business up with him and he will aid whoever requires his services.
##### **Nephropidae**
[![nephro_hb.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-11/scaled-1680-/nephro-hb.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-11/nephro-hb.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** Nephro
##### Profile Data
**Race** Human
**Pronouns/Gender/Sex** Male
**Age** 23
**Weight/Height/Build** Wt: 182 lbs (including metal) Ht: 5'10"
**Hair/Eye/Skin Colour** Hair: Sky blue Eyes: Blue Skin: Tan
**Distinguishing Marks** - Clawed mechanical right arm - Blade legs
**Job** Mechanic/Blacksmith/Alchemist
**Hobbies** Tinkering, Reading, Working
##### Creator
[**Arstasia**](https://www.deviantart.com/arstasia/art/Summer-Leagues-OCT-Nephropidae-877937840)
### Abilities --- ##### Metallic Claw A **nearly indestructible claw**, allowing him to cut metals, deflect projectiles, and absorb things such as electricity as to not affect the rest of his body. His claw can also spin like a drill. **Occasionally rotates subconsciously** when he speaks with hand gestures. ##### Blades Athletic and flexible, Nephro is skilled in close combat. His signature skill comes from his blade legs, sharper than steel, he could easily use these to kill, but chooses not to. ##### CR-Series These are used as his **personal security system**. Equipped with camo capabilities, he can keep an eye on his shop when he's away. They also have minor capabilities to assist him in his work. ### Job & Skills --- Nephro works as Crossroads' mechanic and blacksmith, occupying a workshop in the Business District called "The Iron Claw". Charged with assisting Competitors with weapons, armor, machinery repairs, etc. He has taken to learning **alchemy** as well, albeit begrudgingly. He will repair broken or damaged artifacts, but it will take a lot of convincing to have him craft and enchant new magical items. His CR units are normally in charge of assistance and security, but they can also be used to scout out/spy on competitors if tasked to do so or has any interest in the specimen. Spying on Competitors for another's behalf is not an *impossible* task, but the payment in turn had better be worth wasting his time. ### Location --- Nephro can usually be found in his workshop located in the [Business District](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/locations/page/business-district "Business District"). He tends to bury himself in his work, even when not taking on any commissions. His workshop is certainly an odd one when stepping through the door. On one side of the room is a classic forge and alchemy station one would find in any fantasy medieval setting. The other half suddenly changes to something more akin to a mad scientist's lab; pristine walls, monitors, cables, and other sci-fi machinery. ### Gallery --- [![Nephro Ref 2024.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-03/scaled-1680-/iP1nephro-ref-2024.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-03/scaled-1680-/iP1nephro-ref-2024.png) *2024 Reference*
Outfit Pattern [![Tech Pattern.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-03/scaled-1680-/tech-pattern.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-03/tech-pattern.png)
2021 Reference Sheet ![summer_leagues_oct_nephropidae_by_arstasia_deip968-fullview.jpg](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-11/scaled-1680-/summer-leagues-oct-nephropidae-by-arstasia-deip968-fullview.jpg)
[![nephro_hb.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-11/scaled-1680-/nephro-hb.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-11/nephro-hb.png)[![hj_nephrovashchibi.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-03/hj-nephrovashchibi.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-03/hj-nephrovashchibi.png)[![SL2_placehold_image_04.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-04.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-02.png)
Nephro "Thanks" art by Vashle (2021)Chibi Nephro\[item description\]
### Author's Notes ---
Introducing Crossroad's tech-wiz/handyman Nephro! Here for your tech and tool needs! Feel free to stop by whenever you may need his services!
...And only when you need his services. He doesn't have time for pleasantries.
# New Page # Cain
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> Do I perform tarot readings on myself? *Ahaha*, I used to-- but there are only so many times you can pull *The Tower* before you start to take the hint... *-- Cain* Known locally as "The Psychic" (complete with capital 'T' and 'P' to match his showman persona), Cain is the sole owner of **The Hourglass**, a small shop chock full of mystic and magic wares-- and his personal psychic services. Unbeknownst to the general public, however, his act as a psychic is just that: *an act*. He has not a single iota of psychic power; everything he passes off as psychic abilities is either smoke and mirrors, observation, sleight of hand, misdirection, cold & hot reading, or just plain theatrics.
Table of Contents 1. [Backstory](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Personality](#bkmrk-personality) 3. [Abilities](#bkmrk-abilities-1) 4. [Job & Skills](#bkmrk-strengths) 5. [Location](#bkmrk-weaknesses) 6. [NPC Usage](#bkmrk--8) 7. [Gallery](#bkmrk-gallery-1) 8. [Author's Notes](#bkmrk-author%27s-notes)
### Backstory --- Cain has been living in Crossroads for about a decade now, having hailed from... well, *somewhere else*. He doesn't really talk much about where he's from, his family, or his past prior to showing up in Crossroads, but word around town is he's let a few tidbits slip after a couple drinks: he allegedly mentioned that he "learned his trade from his parents" but had to "move to a city to find any success in it", apparently adding that he sends the majority of his money back to his family for reasons yet unspecified. Unbeknownst to anyone in Crossroads (sans perhaps [The God Eater](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/npcs/page/the-god-eater) herself), 'Cain' is *not* his real name. If you wanted to find out what his real name actually is... well, you'd have one hell of a time coaxing that out of him; Cain is incredibly guarded with that information. Along the way, even prior to arriving in Crossroads, Cain acquired a steep debt to an impatient and unforgiving debtor. While it seems that he owes money, he's never actually stated that *money* was what he owed-- only that whatever it is was "too much". Trying to get more information out of him about it is nigh impossible. It's likely that revealing too much would incur the ire of this already ruthless debtor. What *is* clear, however, is that he's been set up to fail: the interest climbs ever higher, and it looks as though Cain will be in debt for the rest of his (self-proclaimed "short") life.
##### **Cain** **Charming Imposter**
[![judgecain.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** "The Psychic"
##### Profile Data
**Race** Human
**Pronouns | Gender | Sex | Sexuality** He/Him | Cis | Male | Pansexual Panromantic
**Age** 28
**Weight | Height | Build** 110 | 5'7" | Slim/Underweight
**Hair | Eye | Skin Color** Black | Gold | White
**Distinguishing Features** ✦ Gold eyes ✦ Quite thin
**Job** "Psychic" | Shopkeeper
**Hobbies** Cooking, card tricks, illusions, petting cats, sleeping, reading detective novels
##### Creator
**[ElectricEidolon](https://electriceidolon.com/)**
### Personality --- #### ✦ The Façade Ever the showman, Cain is exceedingly charming and personable, able to gracefully maneuver his way through conversations with even the toughest of personalities. He has the ability to entertain, coerce, and convince most to whatever it is he may be trying to peddle (or glean) at the moment, all of which comes quite in handy as a salesman. Keenly observant while also empathetic, Cain is able to combine both traits to understand how others may think or feel, using that sense to manipulate situations toward the outcomes he desires; both traits also help him with his "psychic" services (which is to say, as a professional liar). Confident, charismatic, congenial; Cain is either well-liked or detested, there is rarely any middling indifference to how others feel about him.
A few more notes about Cain with his façade: - Life of the party - Probably an ENTP-esque personality - Minus the obsession with debating - Rolls with "Yes and-" - Chameleon - Will literally alter his own voice/accent to appeal to someone - Appears well-off - Very skilled liar - Though ironically doesn't enjoy lying
#### ✧ Under The Façade Rather surprisingly, Cain is actually reserved and quiet deep down, not at all a showman by nature. For reasons he has not yet revealed, before moving to Crossroads, he forced himself outside of his comfort zone and learned how to play the role of the entertainer. While the extroverted charm is manufactured, his keen senses of observation and empathy are true to his core, leaving him frequently laden with a deep guilt due to lying being part of his current livelihood. As such, even while Cain is still *technically* lying for certain psychic services (such as séances, for example), his end goal is still to *help* his clients, and will therefore do every ounce of research he can in preparation and suss out what is the best possible thing (in his opinion) for his client to hear. In a way, he's a bit of an unintentional life coach-- just with a lot of theatrics thrown in. Hidden under that extroverted façade, Cain is simply a lonely depressed man who feels trapped in his circumstance.
A few more notes about Cain's true self: - Guilted and lonely - Doesn't really believe he deserves happiness - INTJ-esque personality - Poor - Has the one nice outfit that he's learned to repair/tailor himself - Basically starves himself to save funds (hence being so thin) - Depressed
#### ✦ Socializing & Relationships ##### ✧ Outside Looking In Charming as all hell, **Cain can be very suave and smooth when socializing**-- and he has a knack for making it convincingly genuine under normal circumstances. Despite his secret financial hardship, **Cain takes pride in his appearance** and tries to look good regardless of his circumstances. A good example of this is in the one nice outfit he owns: unable to afford any additional expensive outfits or to have the one he has repaired by a professional, Cain has learned to repair and tailor it himself as needed. Not too overblown, he has a healthy amount of vanity. Dress the part and fake it 'til you make it, he tells himself. ##### ✧ Customers and Threats No rancid skeezy car salesman vibes here; even when he is trying to sell a product or an act, **Cain holds having satisfied customers in high priority**. In fact, should any typical client walk away feeling unsatisfied with a psychic service from him, he will unquestionably issue a refund. There are exceptions to this, however. While thankfully not common, any client that Cain can discern is (or recognizes as) up to no good, a deplorable person, or otherwise someone he distinctly dislikes, will *not* be issued any refunds-- and Cain is not above being smug about it, should the client be an especially deserving piece of work. This, of course, doesn't always work out so well for him, sometimes leading into the client becoming heated (or worse). **In the face of a threat, Cain will always attempt to charm, outwit, or simply talk his way out of the situation.** Should those methods fail and a physical altercation occurs, he will try to use his agility and dexterity to attempt an escape rather than fight back as he is painfully aware that he has very little in the way of strength or fighting skills. ##### ✧ Inside Looking Out **Despite it seeming like Cain loves to socialize, he genuinely finds it exhausting** and often sticks to himself when he doesn't have to interact with others. It's a complicated issue, mainly due to how draining it is to constantly keep up the act. An introvert pretending to be an extrovert is strenuous. It isn't helped by his guilt and self-loathing either, causing him to believe he doesn't deserve any sort of happiness via relationships. There's also a practical reason: the longer he's around someone, the higher the chance increases that his secret could be discovered. The complication really becomes obvious in the fact that Cain is also lonely and dislikes *being* so alone, even if it's of his own doing. ##### ✧ Friendships and Romance **Relationships are a thing Cain typically has tried to avoid** for various reasons, some of which have been already mentioned. While there *are* others he considers his friends, he still tends to keep his distance, even from them. When it comes to romance, however, Cain has *never* had any romantic partner, ever. Just as with platonic relationships, he doesn't believe he deserves that happiness-- let alone thinking he'd just end up accidentally ruining that person's life. This doesn't mean he *can't* end up with a romantic partner eventually, though. While it wouldn't be easy, someone *could* get him to push past his fears and allow himself to fall in love. With that in mind, it should be noted that **while Cain *can* flirt expertly, it is entirely manufactured and not at all genuine.** ##### ✧ How To Instantly Break His Act All of that being said, if someone wanted to *instantly and undeniably destroy* his façade, there is not a more surefire way to ensure that than to make the flirting become *more real,* aka: getting physically intimate with him, showing genuine love and desire to form a romantic relationship with him, etc. **Taking it beyond simply flirting will cause Cain to suddenly become nervous and nonplussed, rendering him unable to hold up his flirtatious act (or any act at all) convincingly.** He'll then try his best to talk his way out of whatever the flirting is turning into or find an escape as subtly as he can-- either way, it'll be a struggle for him to hide the sudden anxiety and fear, but he'll certainly try.
Cain's likes: - Cats - Mysteries - Lo-fi music (to decompress) - Coffee - Sleeping - Eavesdropping - Cleanliness & looking nice - Smores Pop-Tarts - Helping others (subtle) - Cooking (when he has the extra funds)
Cain's dislikes: - Lying - Organized religion - Debt collectors - Imbroglio - Physically fighting - Any form of teleportation (nausea) - Being alone (especially with his Thoughts™) - Deep ocean (thalassophobia) - Fatalism - Prejudices
### The Hourglass --- Cain's shop of mystic wares-- and where he provides his psychic services-- is called **The Hourglass**. It is a small hole-in-the-wall located deep within [The Business District](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/locations/page/business-district). With a large catalog of inventory coming from a wide array of ethical sources, he has quite a lot to offer. Whether or not everything in his stock actually works as intended (or at all), however, is a bit of a mystery; most of the time, the only way to find out the efficacy of an item from The Hourglass is to purchase and try it. As for the offered psychic services, most are walk-in welcome-- with the hard exception of Mediumship. #### ✦ Items For Purchase:
The Hourglass inventory that your OCs can procure: - **Health & Healing Items** - Potions of healing, antidotes for toxins/poisons, elixirs of magic/power regen, powders of revival, medicines & herbs for most major ailments/status conditions, etc - Most popular items - 100% genuine and effective - **Luck Charms** - Both good luck \[bless\] & bad luck \[curse\] - Efficacy uncertain, highly subjective - **Crystals & Gems** - For focus, spellcasting, positive/negative vibes, aura control, decoration, etc - Authenticity and effectiveness are based on type and goal - **Buffing & Debuffing Items** - Come in various forms, including but not limited to: rings, bracers, sigils/charms, jewelry, food/candy, clothing, powders, crystals/gems, etc - 75% reliability - **Books, Scrolls, & Tomes** - Vast and varied selection, including but not limited to: countless types of spells, ancient & modern information on a wide variety of creatures/lore/myths/legends, various magic & magic-adjacent research, etc - Arguably all genuine, but vary wildly in accuracy or efficiency - **Trinkets & Curios** - Wide selection of \[presumably\] non-magic items simply for enjoyment, such as novelties, knickknacks, souvenirs, ornaments, collectables, & curiosities - These sure are roadside attraction paraphernalia-esque - **Divination Tools** - For fortune-telling purposes: tarot decks, non-tarot cards, dowsing rods, dice, runes, pendulums, spirit boards, crystal balls, scrying mirrors, etc - Effectiveness is said to depend entirely on divination skills and methods - **Ritual Tools** - Altar dishes/bowls, chalices, pentacles, patens, swords & daggers, other blades, inks & quills, wax, wands, etc - Results may vary \[wildly\] - **Candles & Incense** - Burning options for a wide array of intentions, including but not limited to: healing, love, fertility, protection, enlightenment, money, luck, etc - 100% real; ???% success rate - **Art & Statuary** - Originating from countless different cultures and worlds, a vast selection of magical arts, statues, stained glass, décor, etc - Authenticity not guaranteed - **Summon & Familiar Accessories** - Items for summoning specific entities from a large catalog of available choices - Results WILL vary; The Hourglass is not liable for any damage (collateral, property, physical, or psychic) caused by summons - Accessories for familiars, including but not limited to: clothes, armor, name tags, cute jewelry, etc - Any accessories destroyed by unsatisfied familiars will not be refunded - ***SECRET ITEM:** **Information*** - *Need specific information from around Crossroads? Want to know the current rumors surrounding something or someone? Desperate for intel on your next opponent? If you are aware this secret offer exists, you may be able to order it from Cain* - *If what you are wanting to discover is already available knowledge to Cain, it can be discreetly purchased off of him under the table* - *Cain can also be covertly hired to acquire the desired information, using his observational skills and social adroitness, then report back to you* - *Not all requests will be accepted; will depend heavily on many factors, including but not limited to: reason, importance, difficulty, and potential dangers involved for Cain himself*
#### ✦ Psychic Services:
Psychic services your OCs may hire Cain for: - **Cartomancy (Tarot Reading)** - The art of fortune-telling and divination through the use of cards - Probably the most popular psychic service he offers, cartomancy-- or more specifically: tarot reading-- is a means by which Cain may foretell a client's future by using a deck of cards. His preferred method is via tarot cards, but he is also able to utilize typical playing cards to the same degree. His tool of choice is a well-used tarot deck that seems very sentimental to him. Cain offers several different types of spreads based on what area of your life you might be aiming to focus on: love, success, spiritual, career, or any other manner of specific request - Available via appointment and walk-in - **Clairsentience** - The power to perceive emotional or psychic energy that is imperceptible to the five standard senses - Similar to clairvoyance, Cain offers the ability to discern various types of information through use of his extrasensory perception-- the key difference being that he receives the information via psychic feelings rather than psychic visions. He can't always guarantee what exactly he will sense as this power can yield a vast array of results and depends heavily on many different variables, but he can attempt to hone in on specific subjects of interest. The psychic feelings can also manifest themselves in three completely different ways: precognition (pertaining to the future), retrocognition (pertaining to the past), and pericognition (pertaining to the current moment) - Available via appointment and walk-in - **Palmistry (Palm Reading)** - The reading of character and divination by interpretation of lines and undulations on the palm of the hand - Another popular psychic service, through palmistry Cain can read a client's palm (or equivalent thereof) to glean attributes of their character, personality, and experiences. He can also read their future, which is the more common request, particularly with the focus on personal relationships - Available via appointment and walk-in - **Psychometry** - The ability to discern facts or impressions about an object (or its owner) through physical contact - With psychometry, a client can bring an object to Cain (or bring Cain to an object) that he can then touch and tap into images or visions that will appear in his mind corresponding to the life of the subject that the object is associated with. Cain will require time with the object to better solidify the visions as they typically appear slowly and with incomprehensible definition; over time (which varies), he is able to bring the visions into focus and make more sense of the information presented in them. Very rarely can he instantly glean clear visuals and information from the initial touch - Available via appointment and walk-in - **Mediumship (Séance)** - The practice of mediating communication between familiar spirits or spirits of the dead and the living - Via what is commonly known as a séance, Cain offers clients the opportunity to communicate with the deceased through the use of himself as a medium. This psychic service costs the most and is often the most demanding of him-- but it is also the only service that tends to yield paranormal occurrences perceivable to the naked eye. Séances have very specific time, place, and ritualistic demands of Cain, and thus can ONLY be via appointment. Unlike any of his other psychic services, hiring Cain's mediumship requires scheduling ahead of time and the addition of at least one preliminary meeting with the client prior, in order to allow Cain to properly prepare for a connection with the correct spirit - Available via appointment ONLY
### Abilities --- #### ✦ Deduction Being inherently keenly observant, Cain's greatest strength comes in the form of his deductive skills. He is very perceptive, able to pick up on details and clues around him that the average person would completely overlook or disregard. Reason, intuition, and logic are his tools of instinct. All of this combined with his sense of empathy gives Cain an *almost inhuman* ability to accurately read and understand others-- something that plays directly into his fake psychic charade. He can pick up on nearly imperceptible tells and micro-expressions, allowing him to deduce his way through cold reading others; ironically, this also makes him quite good at detecting lies and deception. #### ✦ Charm For all intents and purposes, charm almost rivals deduction for Cain's maxed out skill, falling short due to being a *learned* trait rather than one that came naturally. This isn't to say Cain isn't a charming person under the act, but it certainly isn't the same as the sharpened persuasive silver-tongued ability he taught himself over many years. Using charm, he is able to entertain, tap into humor and quick wit, make snap judgments, exude trustworthiness, persuade (and manipulate, if the ends justify the means), lie convincingly, and typically win *most* people over-- the exceptions being individuals that distinctly dislike him, find his type of personality irritating, or can somehow *perceive* that it is an act. His charm is a key factor in his ability to ascertain desirable information from around Crossroads. #### ✦ Sleight of Hand Like one might expect, Cain's sleight of hand skill involves quick, clever, and dexterous movements of his hands utilized namely to deceive spectators and/or manipulate objects. This is an ability he has honed for *many* years, making him slick and very adept with using it in various situations. His card tricks and illusions benefit substantially from this ability, making them seem like legitimate magic to all but the most acutely perspicacious (who know what to look for). Other uses for sleight of hand include misdirection, lock-picking (his hair stick is multi-purpose in that regard), stealing/pickpocketing (though he'd only ever do either if it was a justifiable means to an end, never just for himself), cheating (especially in card games), theatrics (particularly with 'psychic acts'), and entertainment. ### Job & Skills --- Outside of running his shop, the main occupation and skillset that most others associate with Cain is that of a working psychic. In addition to the services he offers normally, his ability as a psychic has also been called upon from time to time by authorities, such as a consultant in missing persons cases or in helping solve particularly stumping mysteries. Truthfully, however, Cain's status as a working psychic is secretly a complete farce. **Cain actually *doesn't have any powers* at all whatsoever; he is *not* a real psychic.** The success Cain finds under the guise of being a psychic is actually achieved through deduction, research, intuition, and theatrics. For example: when the authorities believe they are hiring a consulting psychic, they are actually hiring a highly intuitive detective pretending to make discoveries through use of psychic abilities. When Cain is able to make \[seemingly\] very specific and accurate readings, it is actually through use of subtle cognitive tricks such as Barnum statements, reading tells and micro-expressions, prior secret research, etc. When paranormal events seem to occur during a séance Cain is conducting, it is actually due to hidden smoke-and-mirror tricks and rigging he'd already have set up in preparation. **All in all, while Cain *is absolutely not* a real psychic, he still tries to (and typically manages to) get the results he is hired for**-- it's all simply presented under the guise of having been gained through psychic methods.
Deconstruction of Cain's psychic skills:
Definitions of techniques used in Cain's tricks: - **Reading \[People\]** - Hot Reading - The reading technique of utilizing information that was already secretly known prior to the reading (for example, from background research or overhearing a conversation) - Warm Reading - The reading technique of interpreting responses to generic catch-all statements and questions - Barnum Statements - General statements of characterizations attributed to an individual that are perceived to be specifically true for them, yet which are in fact vague and general enough to apply to a wide range of people - Rainbow Ruse - A reading technique in which the reader first assigns the subject a personality trait, and then assigns its opposite to cover all possibilities for validation - Shotgunning - A tactic that a reader uses to put forth a large amount of general information, then observes which one elicits a reaction in order to slowly narrow the scope - Cold Reading - The reading technique of quickly obtaining a great deal of information by analyzing a person's body language, micro-expressions, age, clothing, style, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, education, speech, origin, etc during a line of questioning - **Misdirection** - The art of subtle deceptive directing of an audience’s attention towards one thing (a magical effect) so they do not notice another (the method or mechanics of a trick) - **Mentalism** - A performing art in which 1) the practitioner appears to demonstrate highly developed mental or intuitive abilities, and 2) includes special effects that may appear to employ psychic or supernatural forces, but that are actually achieved by "ordinary conjuring means", natural human abilities (i.e. reading body language, refined intuition, subliminal communication, emotional intelligence), and an in-depth understanding of key principles from human psychology or other behavioral sciences - **Logical Reasoning** - Deductive Reasoning \[Deduction\] - Making an inference based on widely accepted facts or premises; a general-to-specific form of reasoning that allows one to apply known truths to specific instances with a high degree of certainty - Inductive Reasoning \[Induction\] - Making an inference based on an observation, often of a sample; a specific-to-general form of reasoning that tries to generate broad rules that can be applied in many circumstances - Abductive Reasoning \[Abduction\] - Making a probable conclusion from what you know; a specific-to-general form of reasoning that specifically looks at cause and effect, often for a particular example - **Confirmation Bias** - The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values - **Sleight of Hand** - The skillful art of quick, clever, and dexterous movements of hands, utilized namely to deceive spectators and/or manipulate objects - **Improvisation \[Improv\]** - The activity of making, doing, or saying something not planned beforehand, using whatever can be found
- **Cartomancy (Tarot Reading)** - Utilizes: Cold Reading, Warm Reading, Deduction, Improv, Confirmation Bias - Being without a doubt the trick that Cain has the most practice in, Tarot Reading is his personal favorite psychic service and one he can pull off with ease. It seems that Cartomancy might have been the first psychic skill he ever learned; he still uses a very old and clearly sentimental deck– perhaps his first? Having an extensive memory and understanding of both the major and minor arcana at his disposal, most of Cain's focus goes instead toward the personalization of the pulls, leaning hard into his deductions of his client through Cold and Warm Reads to improv on his working memory of the cards' various meanings. He likes to add dramatic flair for fun as well, of course. He can whip out a professional card reading at a moment's notice, seemingly always in a state of gauging those around him for information. Giving any divination reading typically depends entirely on expounding on his understanding of the client, their goals, their problems, and what he personally believes is the best way forward for them. As with any other situation in which Cain is "telling the future", he will word it all in such a way that can't be brought back on him later should his prediction be incorrect. - **Clairsentience** - Utilizes: Cold Reading, Deduction, Induction, Abduction, Improv, Confirmation Bias - Relying almost entirely on his sense of empathy, the trick to Cain's Clairsentience "ability" is simply observation and reasoning; he isn't *entirely* lying when he claims he can intuit something through a feeling. Working with empathy as the primary tool is technically using feelings to get results, after all. Out of all of his advertised psychic powers, Clairsentience is the simplest, yet not at all the easiest: simplest in that it's merely a mix of logical reasoning (all three types typically) and empathy. However, it's quite difficult in that there are no guardrails or parameters to follow, unlike Cartomancy or Palmistry, for example; it leaves him the most subject to any manner of topic or situation that can be thrown his way, thus he must be on his game to handle the high chance of curve balls. To that end, Cain will always give the disclaimer that this service yields the lowest guarantee of accuracy due to "many variables at play" and how he "doesn't have control over what information he receives"-- aka deniability should he fail. - **Palmistry (Palm Reading)** - Utilizes: Warm Reading, Induction, Abduction, Improv, Confirmation Bias - Reading palms is the easiest trick for Cain to pull off as it doesn't require much heavy mental work outside of memory. For the most part, he simply has to memorize and recall all of the possible "meanings" for the details found on palms. Warm Reading techniques can really spice up the reading to make it feel more "personal", as well as through observation and cause-and-effect reasoning (Induction and Abduction respectively). The tricky part comes in with reading palms for divination, but much like with Tarot Readings, Cain can simply expound on what he's already read of the client and improvise generic or vague enough predictions for them. He always states the predictions in ways that give him an out later should they not come to pass, though. - **Psychometry** - Utilizes: Hot Reading, Warm Reading, Mentalism, Improv, Confirmation Bias - Similar to séances, Cain's Psychometry service typically relies heavily on research conducted in secret prior to the actual "psychic event" (Hot Reading). Although the focus is primarily on the object presented to him (at least to the onlooker), Cain utilizes any subtle information he can glean from the client as well to help formulate his overall understanding of the "big picture" (aka his interpretation or made-up details to fill in the gaps). Generic questions (Warm Reading) can really help in this case, something he can explain away as requisite for helping him "better understand the object and its history" so that he can "hone his psychic ability on it". Cain then requires that the object be left in his care (or that he has continued access to the object, especially if it's huge or immovable) for a number of days so that he can "focus and discern the visions". The truth, of course, is that he's actually just using that time to do as much research as possible. Once he has enough info to formulate a plan, he'll bring in the client once more, physically touch the object, and play up receiving visions of the answers (Mentalism). On rare occasions, Cain may already be familiar with the object (or what is being asked in relation to it) so he doesn't need to take time for research, instead simply pretending to get clear visions instantly. - **Mediumship (Séance) - Utilizes: Hot Reading, Warm Reading, Cold Reading, Deduction, Induction, Abduction, Sleight of Hand, Mentalism, Misdirection, Improv, Confirmation Bias - It's not a lie when Cain states that utilizing his "Medium skill" takes the biggest toll on him out of all of his psychic services-- it's simply not in the way he presents it as. Rather than due to honing his psychic abilities to reach and channel specific spirits, séances require use of all of his tricks and techniques to pull them off effectively, and then some. This is also the reason why this service is the only one REQUIRING an appointment in advance; Cain begins the service by doing as much research on the client and the client's deceased target as possible, which includes an initial "interview" appointment in which Cain gathers as much information as he possibly can (including the subtle info garnered through Cold Reading) under the guise of "making sure he hones in on and channels the correct spirit". Once he feels he has a sufficient portfolio of info to pretend convincingly, he'll rig the room in his shop that he'll use ahead of time with hidden theatrical tricks to secretly set off during the performance in order to make it seem as though paranormal activity is actually happening. Conducting the séance itself is an intensive one-man show that requires exhaustive effort from Cain and utilizes every type of logical reasoning, reading style, and a considerable amount of improvisation-- plus the Mentalism, Misdirection, and Sleight of Hand skills in order to pull off the theatrical parts at the same time.
Important note: For the most part (which is to say, when the client isn't someone he actively dislikes and feels is horrible), if Cain intuits potential problems the client may be facing during any of his psychic services, he will try his best to subtly suggest help through the psychic act, be it advice for the issues at hand, his opinion on a decision, encouragement, guidance, or even just what he thinks they want to hear if it'll help them to make it through another day, etc. Cain may be a liar, but he is one with good intentions.
#### ✦ General Stats
**✦ Strengths** **✧ Weaknesses**
- Observant & perceptive - Reading others - Agile & quick - Sneaky - Silver-tongue - Improvisation & thinking on the fly - Dexterous - Persistent - Every normal human weakness - Self-loathing & guilt-ridden - Low stamina - No magic, no powers, no extra-human anything - Physically weak in strength & defense - Weighs very little - Stubborn - Loner
##### ✦ Psychological Stats ✦
**Charisma****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦****Kindness****✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧
**Patience****✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧**Intelligence****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧
**Confidence****✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧**Perception****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**
**Discipline****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧**Psych stamina****✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧
**Courage****✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧**Caution****✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧
**Honesty****✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧**Loyalty****✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Maturity****✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧**Creativity****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧
**Cleanliness****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧**Work ethic****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧
##### ✧ Physical Stats ✧
**Physical Strength**
**✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Speed**
**✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧
**Magical Strength**
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Constitution**
**✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Physical Defense**
**✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Dexterity**
**✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧
**Magical Defense**
✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Stamina**
**✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
### NPC Usage --- #### ✦ Audition **Yes, you MAY use Cain as the NPC your OC\[s\] checks in with for your audition!** Cain CANNOT see the ghostly fox tails that competitors have because he isn't actually psychic or magic, nor is he sensitive to The God Eater's power (though he may lie and say he is). HOWEVER, he can be made aware that your OC is a competitor via other means, for example by being told outright and/or by him recognizing the Tag, etc. Cain would then just need to inform any of the other [NPCs](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/npcs) or [Crossguards](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/crossguards) that *can* sense The God Eater's power (aka they can see the ghostly tails) that your OC is a competitor. ### Gallery --- [![judgecain_fullbody_refsheet.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/scaled-1680-/judgecain-fullbody-refsheet.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain-fullbody-refsheet.png)
[![judgecain_chibi.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain-chibi.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain-chibi.png)[![SL2_placehold_image_04.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-04.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-01.png)[![SL2_placehold_image_04.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-04.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-02.png)
Chibi Cain\[tbd\]\[tbd\]
Free-to-use Assets
[![judgecain_leftpantlegdesign_withgradient.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/scaled-1680-/judgecain-leftpantlegdesign-withgradient.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain-leftpantlegdesign-withgradient.png) [Cain's pantleg design, with gradient](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tAiNUtUx2u99ADNB738LYuiit7bKlwSr/view?usp=drive_link) [![judgecain_leftpantlegdesign_nogradient.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/scaled-1680-/judgecain-leftpantlegdesign-nogradient.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain-leftpantlegdesign-nogradient.png) [Cain's pantleg design, without gradient](https://drive.google.com/file/d/13JfMGl4zB9N5B7KZij5ZZpvImgNb7AgJ/view?usp=drive_link) [![judgecain_shirtdesign_full pattern.png](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/scaled-1680-/judgecain-shirtdesign-full-pattern.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/judgecain-shirtdesign-full-pattern.png) [Cain's shirt pattern, full sheet](https://drive.google.com/file/d/12z_l2dRcWGAJuz9drvyeFIKHKPmSGJHP/view?usp=drive_link)
### Author's Notes --- ✦ Cain is **pansexual/panromantic**; if you would like to ship him with your OC, feel free to. ✦ Cain's voice claim is **Billy Kametz**, à la his voice for Macaque of *Monkie Kid* (which also includes the current VA for that character who is matching Billy's work, **Alejandro Saab**). [Click here for a few voice claim audio examples.](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VVqJROSdNkB63696BsdYg7yCRh6v-5lp?usp=sharing) ✦ Cain's overall backstory details have been left **intentionally vague for flexibility of your storytelling needs.** Please feel free to fill in those gaps in such a way that best fits your plot-- after all, he is a set piece for your use in this OCT. ✦ Fun Fact: This version of Cain is actually an AU! The *canon* Cain is one of the main characters in a TTRPG podcast (and he is much... spicier, haha)! ✦ Feel free to contact [ElectricEidolon](https://electriceidolon.com/) (such as via the [Summer Leagues Discord server](https://discord.gg/summerleagues)) if you have any questions! # Fuyuma
---
> The Crossroads is so lively. It's almost a bit much, some days. But it's nice, to be around *life* for once. *-- Fuyuma* A traveler from a world nearly gone. She and her family were rescued by Chifu and brought to the Crossroads to live for the foreseeable future. Fuyuma helps around town, using her psychic abilities to spy, fight, work, and sometimes just make spectacular shows of magic. During the tournament, she offers advice, training, and information. Basic help is free, but more involved work comes with a price.
Table of Contents 1. [Backstory](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Name](#bkmrk-name) 3. [Personality](#bkmrk-personality) 4. [Abilities](#bkmrk-abilities) 5. [Job & Skills](#bkmrk-strengths) 6. [Location](#bkmrk-weaknesses) 7. [Gallery](#bkmrk-gallery) 8. [Side Content](#bkmrk-side-content) 9. [Author's Notes](#bkmrk-author%27s-notes)
### Backstory --- Originally from a universe where mages rose in power so drastically that they began to destroy the universe, clawing out any useful resource until nearly nothing was left. Fuyuma was created by one mage, Brivigak, to be experimented on. Essentially, her purpose was to cultivate powers that would further strengthen his army. Her power, created through grueling experiments, was psychic ability. "10" was her designation as an experiment, and she generally doesn't tell people about it. If someone finds out and calls her 10, she would react very badly. Being indexed (like in a sport), also makes her uncomfortable, but she won't get outright angry. Eventually, Brivigak (along with many other mages) began the process of trying to enter other universes, which caught the attention of Chifu, who immediately put a stop to it. Fuyuma, caught in the crossfire of the conflict, managed to be swept away early on to the Crossroads, along with her siblings (other experiments, who essentially adopted each other), but Chifu has made efforts to evacuate all victims in this universe. As a thanks to Chifu, Fuyuma makes an effort to help out around the Crossroads, and has made an effort to assist the coming competitors to the tournament, as well. ### Name --- In her culture, people tend to have two names: a given name, and a chosen name. In Fuyuma's unique situation, she has a designation, a first chosen name, and a second chosen name. Her designation is 10 - the number of experiment she was. Her first chosen name, a simple nickname referring to her eyes, was Fufu. Her second chosen name (which she currently goes by), referring to her psychic power, is Fuyuma. ### Personality --- Guarded and anxious, but kind. She’s willing to listen and offer her insights, but doesn’t often talk about herself. She has a soft spot for children and animals. She's afraid of skulls, cages, entrapment, powerful magic (or in general lots of power), and her loved ones dying or getting hurt.
##### **Fuyuma**
[![Portrait of Fuyuma](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/fuyuma-doodle.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-04.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** Fufu, "10"
##### Profile Data
**Race** human
**Pronouns/Gender/Sex** she/her, cis female
**Age** 23
**Weight/Height/Build** 52 kg/157 cm/thin
**Hair/Eye/Skin Colour** white/blue/pale
**Distinguishing Features** 5 eyes
**Job** general help/odd jobs
**Hobbies** reading, spas, camping
**Siblings** Kem (younger), Kip (older)
##### Creator
[Sketchy Jessie](https://www.sketchyjessie.com/)
### Abilities --- ##### Psychic Link In general, Fuyuma can make psychic links to objects, people, animals, etc. She can affect them through movement (telekinesis) or a two-way thought link (telepathy). This can also pair with other abilities. ##### Telepathy Generally just works like you'd expect, she can send thoughts, images, ideas, etc. to people and read their minds. However, because this is from a psychic link, technically the ability is a two-way street: someone savvy and willful enough could force thoughts, images, ideas, etc. into Fuyuma's head and even read her thoughts. Fuyuma has a natural resistance to this, but it's entirely possible. ##### Psychic Blast Basically just a blob of energy that Fuyuma can manifest to cause destruction. She can do one at a time, anywhere she can see, and it can usually only affect about the size of a full human person. ##### Magic All people in Fuyuma's setting can do basic magic, which involves the manipulation of essence, the core energy present in all things. Most magic involves either turning something into essence, transforming somethings essence (and therefore transforming it), or consuming essence (literally eating it) to gain power. It's harder to affect things that are living or sentient, and the more intense the change or effect, the harder it is. Normally magic requires physical touch. Generally, Fuyuma is only able to turn things into essence, and only a very small amount (think a handful). However, Fuyuma can do this in connection to Psychic link, meaning she can do ranged magic. ### Job & Skills --- Fuyuma does odd jobs around town, and will offer things like information and training, typically for a price. Most of the work she does involves using her psychic ability - she's not that strong or skilled outside of that - but she can do some pretty basic things like waiting tables and library work. Outside of her basic powers, she's decent at writing, and likes to make poetry and journal entries in her free time. She's fairly well informed on human anatomy and basic medical knowledge, as well. ### Location --- During the tournament, she'll be fairly active in the business district, Kit'inn, and Fox Den, to ensure she has an eye on the competitors and what's generally going on. Her primary home is in the Phoenix Coast. ### Gallery ---
[![Fuyuma visual reference](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/fuyuma-visualreffornow.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-04.png)[![Fuyuma and her siblings](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/refs.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-01.png)[![Fuyuma levitating a comb](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/fuyuma-levitatecomb.png)](https://aws-sloct.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-06/sl2-placehold-image-02.png)
Visual ReferenceFuyuma (left), Kem (middle), Kip (right)Basic Telekinesis
### Side Content --- Fuyuma's side content is hosted on an independent website, as well as the wiki. Below are links to relevant pages. - [Site Homepage](https://sketchyjessie.github.io/fuyuma-summerleagues/) - [The Fox Den](https://sketchyjessie.github.io/fuyuma-summerleagues/thefoxden.html) ([Wiki Mirror](https://wiki.summerleaguesoct.com/books/2023-24-recap-extras/page/the-fox-den-fuyuma "The Fox Den - Fuyuma")) ### Author's Notes --- In terms of content permissions, be mindful of the Summer Leagues rules, and ask about anything involving ships. She can drink, but probably wouldn't use drugs of her own volition.