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| User: | erato_lamiae (98223) |
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| Name: | Erato of the Lamiae | |||||||||
| AOL IM: |  Poetic Fangs (Add Buddy, Send Message) | |||||||||
| Bio: | NAME: Erato of the Sisterhood of Lamiae. PHYSICAL LIKENESS: Rhona Mitra. SPECIES: The very epitome of 'femme fatale', the Lamiae are usually described as a beautiful woman's torso with a powerful serpent's trunk extending from below the waist; their true form, although they can easily appear in a more completely human guise. Vampiric in diet, it is more in the realm of sexuality and its associated charms where they are most at home, proving irresistible and almost cyclonic when putting such abilities to the test. While there are known to be at least nine, the full extent of their number is unknown. Quite how the Lamiae reproduce is a mystery, leading to speculation that they are either unable or unwilling to beget offspring, although there are legends of the Naga, beings who share many traits and an identical appearance to the Lamiae, interbreeding successfully with human beings. Some have even theorised that they and the Naga are one and the same race, but not one mortal has been able to learn if the Lamiae a merely one family branch or a completely different species. None, at least, who survived to reveal it. HISTORY: "Our position in other respects is such as you used to cheer my despondency by telling me it would be - one of great dignity and popularity: This is a return to old times for you and me effected, my brother, by your patience, high character, loyalty and, I may also add, your conciliatory manners. The house of Licinius, near the grove of Piso, has been taken for you. But, as I hope, in a few months' time, after the 1st of July, you will move into your own. Some excellent tenants, the Lamiae, have taken your house in Carinae. I have received no letter from you since the one dated Olbia. I am anxious to hear how you are and what you find to amuse you, but above all to see you yourself as soon as possible. Take care of your health, my dear brother and though it is winter time, yet reflect that after all it is Sardinia that you are in." - Letter from Cicero to his brother Quintus in Sardinia, Rome, 12 February, 56 BCE. Erato's personal history is a cloaked one, as is that of all her race. There is no telling exactly how long she or her family have existed, although as shown above, their presence has graced both ancient Rome and also Greece during their more... Excessive periods. She found Egypt to be quite alluring, with its pyramids and adherence to superstition. Much of Asia is also familiar to her. Down the centuries her path has led, mostly enjoying the hospitality which many cultures have to offer and neither exclusively choosing a side which could be termed 'good', nor one called 'bad', but rather somewhere between the two extremes. However, she is not averse to helping mortals and, should she be treated right, possesses a vast sum of knowledge for those who might need it. When dealing with her, it is wise to keep in mind that respect will get you far, as she has little patience for rudeness and intimidation is a game she knows well. Only sincerity ever seems to gain her assistance. Among her siblings, Erato is most often seen as the proverbial 'little sister', having a rather playful temperament and innate sense of curiosity. That she is old enough to know the value of responsibility, goes without saying, but she usually engenders a feeling of protectiveness in those enamoured of her. All the same, this does not place her in a state of denial in regards to certain darkened activities. Indeed, as with her sisters, Erato seduces primarily to feed on the blood, flesh and living energy of her prey. If consensual, this need not be a negative event and some historians have argued that the Lamiae are either the legendary Muses or their offspring, since they are most talented with the gift of providing an individual with inspiration, especially when taking a lover, whom she would provide for until the admirer expires. Considering this, perhaps her name is no coincidence? Death, indeed, is said to be a result of entering matrimony with a member of the Lamiae. Many stories exist of intense jealousy from the creature towards any romantic competition, her lover eventually being drained of all and any life, yet still yearning to give more to their heart's desire, eventually succumbing to decay, illness and even insanity, in an inevitable flow to one's own destruction. Whether this aspect is true, of course, is open to conjecture, but perhaps it would be wise not to experiment. With that in mind, marriage should be avoided. The only certainty is that any union would be unrivalled in the supernatural intensity of its passion. HOW OTHERS REACT: Even among inhuman entities, the Lamiae are alternatively regarded as myth and dangerously real. The only constant appears to be that it would be unwise to cross one. Some even like to take credit for the creatures' origins, but nobody seems to really have all the answers, except for those who are old enough to generate plenty of mysteries of their own. The Lamiae do, however, have a very dark side to them and psychics might well pick up on such an aspect entwined with an immensely lustful and seductive nature. On the other hand, even in communities of vampires, the Lamiae are often considered as little more than products of the imagination, stories of which are often used to scare younger generations into doing elders' bidding. Those who dedicate themselves to study of the 'Old Ones' would know better, but even they may not know if the Lamiae have departed or chosen to remain in this world of the modern age. The sisters' personalities vary, but Erato can be luxurious and certainly more playful than one would think, considering her longevity. She can also appreciate things which have nothing to do with materialistic wealth, such as the reflection of a moon cast against calm sea, looking back with fondness on simpler times of great civilisations. If there is one thing she laments, it would be how lacking humanity now is in passion. Nevertheless, because of such dichotomies, beings of both light and dark who recognise her for what she is, would often tend to show her respect. Not merely because of her station in things, but because she can be pleasant to have around, enriching her immediate environment and, unless in a predatory mood, will often give refreshed meaning to the concept of adoration in those who could need it. Then again, those who might attempt to trap and harness the Lamiae do exist, but are less likely to succeed as they are to encounter a very sticky end. Either that or become an entertaining new diversion to play with... On the whole, practitioners of magic usually think it best to leave the Lamiae alone. Too many legends exist of their inclusion in rituals leading to a sorcerer's downfall, not to take notice of. Of course, who is to say that such stories are not put about by the Lamiae themselves, simply to dissuade others from looking for their secrets? ABILITIES: Make no mistake about it; as versed in the arts of love and seduction as they are, the Lamiae can make formidable enemies. Frightening strength coupled with savage viciousness is hidden under their many layers of mystique and, should it be roused, an opponent should expect nothing less than a predatory reaper of death. They prefer to avoid outright confrontation, however, preferring more subtle methods. In short, they realise indulgence and flaunting have a dividing line and observe it carefully, preferring to cultivate an air of mystery, obfuscating enemies into a false sense of security, through which a fatal strike can be stealthily administered. Illusion and enchantment run strongly in their line and they are by no means strangers to the use of magic, actively using it to achieve their ends. This, coupled with an aura of seductive intrigue, means that the Lamiae are never to be taken lightly. This is especially true when it comes to seduction, which is a speciality they excel in. Succubi, however, they are not and such preoccupations do not cloud their existence to the exclusion of all else, since it is a quality chiefly used to secure nutritional needs and can just as easily be displayed in differing layers, making for a superb hostess at any party. For the Lamiae, it is more of a means to an ends, albeit a most pleasurable one. According to legend, they actually consider human children to be quite a delicacy, supposedly luring infants to their clutches. Instead, their key discipline lays in evoking inspiration and creativity. Stunning levels of genius are revealed in those they choose to visit this upon and while the artist's ideas are truly their own, without her presence they would have remained only partially formed or buried in the subconscious. Finding a poet or gifted painter usually allows them to take care of sexual expression, dietary appetites and the crafting of another's inspiration, in an equally reliable fashion. Some control over water has also been noted. Causing or preventing rain over an area, for example. WEAKNESSES: The Lamiae are bound to their lovers at a level which is beyond what most mortals would experience and this could be used to a foe's advantage, if using it as leverage. Most weapons could potentially injure the creatures, but any such tools should be magically sanctified to stand much of a chance at success, fighting fire with fire, so to speak. Metal, wood, plastic and other materials are all quite destructible on their own, after all. Erato also has a liking for water and treasure can appeal to her species, if of a sacred nature. Not just mineral wealth, since texts of mystical knowledge would also qualify, compelling her, in some instances, to act as a guardian. Image:      | |||||||||
| Friends: | None listed. | |||||||||
| Member of: | 4: city_limits, city_limits_ooc, free_form2, free_form_ooc | |||||||||
| Account type: | Free Patient | |||||||||
