Emblem Trailblazer

Full name: Conrad ‘Emblem’ Forrest. (Goes by Emblem Trailblazer)
Codename: Trailblazer
Nickname(s): Devil’s bookkeep, Infinimagus, Dealer of Death, Firebrand.
Age: 31
Race: Human
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Is this a canon?: No



Hair Color: White
Eye Color: Gold
Gender: Male
Height: 6’4’’
Weight: 100kg
Other Traits: Slightly burnished skin due to affinity for fire magics. Emblem is usually well dressed in suits or sharp sleeveless vests. He’s got a white well-trimmed beard.

Main Power Origins: Magic
Powers
Pyrokinesis: Emblem is a master of fire, a manipulator of heat and flame. However, due to certain -limitations- imposed on him by beings he does not yet know how to break, Emblem is not able to form flame himself anymore. The magic itself flows through his veins, and he has been able to use his own heat (sparingly) or that of other sources of fire around him to devastating effects. Emblem is a battlemage. Battlemages strive to augment physical strength with spells to overwhelm or outmaneuver their opponents. In this particular case, Emblem has mastered several spells meant to wear down his opponent and warp the battlefield to his liking. His flames can burn hot enough to melt steel, but he's not going to get there instantly.

• Kili’kan Eruption: Emblem draws the necessary magical rune for this Eruption type spells, and taps the ground (with either hand or feet) – Nearby him, somewhere where he can see clearly, the ground starts to heat up quickly. Quickly after, flames erupt from below and shoot up. These 8-foot pillars disappear as quickly as they appear – leaving at most a distressed ground behind.
  
  
• Charon’s Toll: Emblem can heat up the air around him. A clever trick if he may say so, using magic to move air around and create heat. Indoors, this has a crippling effect on any opponent who is too reliant on air or who severely dislikes fire. It’s effect, in general, is to wear down those who fight him, as it’s effect becomes noticeable the longer the fight goes on. Heating up the surroundings also works to create a heat haze that limits visibility. This spell works best indoors.
  
  
• Breath of Ren’Shaw: One of Emblem’s most prized known spells, the Breath of Ren’ Shaw is an old relic from his past, when he was still able to create fire. Using his own bodily heat and masterfully hypercharging it with a sharp intake of air, Emblem is able to breath out an immense cone of flame in front of him. As he breathes in, his mouth glows a brilliant white. As he exhales, flame spreads forth in a large cone shape. This attack is very taxing on his body and magical reserves, which forces him to use it only when he needs to create distance or when he wishes to finish a fight. Emblem can at most use this attack three times.
  
  
  
• Magesight: Emblem feels magic being used, magical energies being collected and heat emanating from every source. Emblem could fight in the dark, and is not necessarily reliant on eyesight. His magesight is mostly used to identify magical artifacts and their uses. When wearing the Mask of the Kei’Moro, his Magesight expands to higher levels, allowing him to be informed of every change in heat and magical energies without overwhelming his senses.
  
  
• Magmablood: Emblem’s blood is severely infused with magical energies. Whenever he is cut, his blood can (at will) burst out and spray his opponents or their equipment in fiery lava. This will usually damage equipment or severely harm those using them.
  Doing this drains Emblem’s magical powers significantly and can only be used as a defensive tool.
  
  

Skills
Shopkeep:  Emblem owns a small bookshop and has learned to manage it’s contents for years. While books are there to be enjoyed by many (Emblem is known to be liberal in his support of others) the bookshop’s real purpose is the acquisition of knowledge and magical artefacts. Emblem’s got a keen eye for business, deals and obtaining information.

Thieves Cant:  Those willing to peruse/borrow Emblem’s more rare items or make use of his talents cannot simply come in and ask for it. This unseemly behavior will be rewarded with a swift eviction from the store grounds. In order to talk about your wishes, you need to employ a special language. This is, of course, to avoid suspicion from other guests and law enforcement. Those able to understand basic thieves cant  can solicit a mighty stock of powerful services. At a price, that is.  

Knowledge, at a price:  Emblem has used favors to solicit other favors and as it stands, he has dirt on most officials and some law enforcement. Emblem reckons that he cannot escape the law of mere humans forever, so he bends it. Emblem uses Charon’s Coins to make contracts with people, and services rendered can always come back to haunt the unsuspecting customer.  

Bombs a-Head:  Emblem used to be boxing in semi-competitive circles and later on, he went underground with his skills. Where more was allowed, Emblem would combine his boxing skills with that of fiery Muay-Thai inspired kicks. While it has crooked his nose, it has given him a quick-and-dirty fighting style that gets dangerous the closer he is.

Abilities
Old Soul: Due to his heritage as Infinimagus, Emblem communes with a vast magical energy that is always expanding in more complex ways. His former clan would send their experiences and thoughts into the vast consciousness. While Emblem himself is only 31 years old, this energy has shown him multiple experiences and lessons from lives past. It generally boosts his wisdom and intellect, allowing him to make the decisions that eventually ended him where he is now.

Spellcrafter Extraordinaire: Emblem is a most exquisite spellcrafter. He’s attuned to the winds of magic and is able to weave spells that are beautiful, powerful or both. Due to his heritage as an Infinimagus, his reserves are near-limitless. He’s not only a formidable battlemage in his own right, he has elevated casting spells and weaving Emblematic enchantments to an art form. His personal expertise is related to the realm of fire-magic. Other spells he knows of and could learn how to cast some spells, but becoming an expert in one field (and staying that way) is more important to him.

Heat & cold resistant: Due to the use of Fire magic in every aspect of his life, Emblem has become immune to heat & cold.

Physical Weaknesses
Emblem is not a frail spellcaster, but he’s no superhuman either. His strength is placed in his versatility, but he will never place him head to head against several superheroes.

Nth metal seems to be a complete damper on everything he can do with his magics.

Speed freaks. Emblem can only defend against these by manipulating his surroundings. Otherwise, he’s useless.

Hindered eyesight. Due to the use of Magesight, Emblem’s eyes have become more accustomed to seeing magic and heat, and have lessened in their conventional use.  

Mental Weaknesses
Emblem deals with devils, demons and magic. This has caused him to shield his mind, but he’s rather paranoid. This is not known to many, but Emblem does not trust easily. It’s why he employs Charon’s Coins to double check almost everything.  

Emblem cannot refrain from deals and temptations. The more dangerous the deal, the more invested he is. He will hardly put himself in front of danger, but he will easily break laws (and people) if it allows him to get ahead in whatever game he plays.

Equipment
Twin Collapse Axes – A staple of his shop, the Twin Collapse Axes are small throwing axes with a double sided beard. They seem to be made from obsidian and metal. Emblem hangs these above his counter, and they are the topic that starts a conversation in Thieves Cant.
In battle, Emblem can summon these twin axes. Imbuing them with magic causes them to resonate with their user, allowing the axes (in Emblem’s case) to catch fire. Furthermore, these axes can be thrown. After a throw, they can be called back to user’s hand. Next to their ranged quality, Emblem usually employs these axes to block and snag opponents. If he can hold them or pin them, they are most vulnerable to his Eruption-based spells.

Linkpearl – A gadget Emblem received from one of his favors. The linkpearl is a small bead set in his ear that allows him to hear digital communications from a small distance. It can also be used to communicate with them. Weirdly enough, his linkpearl has been invaded at times, which led to his greatest adventures. Emblem cannot easily resist such a temptation.

Zippo Lighter – A rather crude device, adorned to look as appealing as possible without giving away it’s function. Emblem rather loathes this item, as it is necessary but also a stark reminder of a sole power he no longer possesses.

The Shop of the Firebrand
Emblem maintains a small bookshop and serves as head librarian. He’s ever invested in learning more and more and frequently provides knowledge to others to use as they see fit. However, Emblem has several items of interest that may be used to cause great havoc. These items are not implicitly evil (well, most of them are not) but they are always dangerous.

• Woeborn’ Folly – In one of the cabinets stands Woeborn’  Folly. This sword shapes itself to fit it’s wielder and has a rebellious mind of its’ own. The wielder can use it to great effect but it has to convince the spirit living in the blade. Fighting against established order always seems to work, as Woeborn was instrumental in starting rebellions and ending dynasties. However, while the blade lends power, it also demands. It will punish those not on a crusade (or less on a crusade) and might force it’s will upon the user. In Emblem’s hands, Woeborn becomes a great two handed sword, glowing violet and burgundy. Emblem himself refuses to wield it, as he knows the spirit within would eventually ruin all he has fought so hard to obtain. It’s power cannot be denied.
  
• The Chalice – Possibly Emblem’s most dangerous possession. The chalice grants someone who drinks from it immense power, but at the steepest cost. It’s Emblem’s current working theory that drinking from the chalice possesses one with a demon. The demon channels it’s power (which leads to reddish skin, forming of horns on the body and blood red eyes) but with one command: Win. If the drinker wins, the demon leaves the body and returns to the chalice, using the gained experience to grow stronger. If the drinker loses, the demon takes it’s soul and eats it, also growing stronger in the process. Even in victory, the drinker’s body is usually left ravaged by combat and demonic possession. This could cause loss of functions, or even loss of life.
  
• The Mask of the Kei’Moro – the Moro were a clan that cohabitated in the same lands as the Infinimagi. Together, they would funnel magical energies and create the most powerful artefacts of all. Emblem cannot seem to get why he has the mask of the Kei himself in his possession, but he knows the Moro do no longer exist. Putting on the Mask Limits normal sight, but it boosts one’s mental sensitivity and allows a full 360 degrees vies. The mask allows information to be picked up more easily, without being overwhelming. The Mask adapts to it’s user, meaning those without magical powers will instead feel as if they are wearing an Iron-Man helmet with HUD.
  
• Magically infused Quicksilver – A churning liquid set in one of the canisters in the back. When unleashed it latched on to the first object it finds and restores it as far as it is capable. This means Quicksilver can be used to restore a lost limb, but it works best on robotic components.
  
• Robes of the Infinimagus – Old wizarding robes, these dark blue robes serve to remind Emblem of his past and of his clan. While he no longer wears them (too encumber some by half) these robes boost their wearer’s magical powers, allowing them to cast more powerful spells. For Emblem this is no longer a valid option. If another is to wear these robes, they adjust size and color according to the wearer’s preferences.  Bag of
  
• Charon’s Coins – Emblem has a bag of golden coins under his desk. These coins are used to seal contracts. They indicate to Emblem how useful a deal is and how much he stands to gain from it. The coins provide a certain magical binding moment: If the other party does not hold their end of the bargain, they seem to be pummeled with bad luck until they succumb. These coins do need a drop of blood every now and again.
  

Personality
Emblem is a man that believes he has to advance. He can always be smarter, sharper and stronger. It has shaped his entire life, ever in pursuit of more arcane knowledge and wealth. Emblem has never been one to follow the letter of the law and takes great pride in being able to ‘play’  the law according to his own needs and wants.

Emblem likes deals, almost to a fault. He’s worked hard to collect what he has. His hobbies include chess, boxing, magical lore and study. He’s methodical, but works hard to maintain his influence outside of the spotlight. In his pursuit of magical artefacts, Emblem has shown no hesitation to take what he wants and if need be, kill to get it. His only diligence is in handling these artefacts himself, for he knows that great power comes at a cost.

In his free time, Emblem pores over tomes, hunts for relics in faraway places. When unable to do so, he loves to keep his mind sharp by advancing in games of chance and calculations.

Family Members: None. The Infinimagus clan was torn apart by nations and other tribes lusting for its power.
Place of Origin: Unknown.
History
Emblem was born as part of a travelling tribe of sorcerers. These sorcerers held a firm belief that all magic communes with its users, and in turn, magic can be strengthened. This allows generations upon generations to strengthen their hold on the currents of magic. Feeding their experiences back to feed the fire for the next generation.

Born Conrad Forrest (Last names are derived from where birth took place), the tribe witnessed what they had sought for so long. A prodigy so advanced in their craft, yet singularly dedicated to advancement. This boy was born for greatness. It was only a shame it happened as the tribe itself was in its twilight years. Had he been born sooner, he might have led them to a golden age.

For years, their numbers had dwindled. While they were secretive of their own beliefs, knowledge had spread and many had come to seek their power to use for their own gains. While the tribe itself believed the power should only be sought itself but not employed, there were many individuals who were swayed. Either by coin, by force or by coercion – The tribe’s numbers dwindled.

Emblem was sent away. He cannot remember why. He cannot remember how. He can feel this sudden amnesia was put there. He has yet to find out who did it and why. Lastly, his potential was limited. It has endlessly frustrated him, but having steeled his resolve. He has several theories why and several leads to follow. A multitude of tomes to research and a million spells to dispel his predicament.

Emblem will not rest until he can once again become what he was always meant to be. He will leave no stone unturned, no law unbroken, no power unwielded until he is. Ultimate. Whole. Archmage.

The small bell on the bookshop’s counter rang with the resonant intensity akin to that of the nervous youth that drummed on it. Retreating his hand in his pocket immediately, the youngster was afraid he might have damaged something. From a nearby bookshelf, a ladder on wheels moved in closer and a white-haired man looked at him intently. Flashing a smile, Joey was almost immediately mesmerized by those golden eyes. A hint of betrayal was experienced straight after. How could he already like this man? It did not feel…real.

‘Good afternoon young sir. How may I help you?’
As the man came down from the ladder, Joey got a good look at him. He was very well dressed for a glorified librarian. Why would anyone want to spend their days inbetween musty old stacks of books? As he tried to still his beating heart, it seemed the librarian read him like an open book.

‘Welcome to my humble bookshop. My name is Mr. Trailblazer, and I am at your service. Be at ease, for these it nothing here that could harm you. Just books, and I’m quite sure they don’t bite.’

Emblem himself looked at his customer with unusual interest. You see, the boy was nothing interesting himself, except for one thing. Desperate. Those are always the most interesting. It had also escaped the boy’s notice that at least three lies were spoken in the last words the crossed the Firebrand’s lips.

‘H..Hi. Mr. Trailblazer. Sir. I..’

Emblem grabbed a glass bottle with a clear liquid from under the counter, and retrieved two small cups from a nearby cupboard. He placed them in front of him on the counter, and filled them up. Then, as if he already knew of the impending suspicion, he drank one cup in a fell swoop. Adding a dramatic flourishing at the end.

‘It’s water. Now, have some and tell me plain what is on your mind.’

As he drank and told, Joey told of his poor disposition. How he has never been able to provide for his sickly mother. How he had ended up without a proper education and seemingly without a future. Emblem nodded several times throughout the story.
‘A..and that’s why I came here. I heard some say that you can make magic happen.’
Emblem raised an eyebrow. He knew exactly where this was going to go. Sad story or no, he knew a deal when he saw one. He placed a golden coin on the table, spun it round.
‘What would you like to do in the future, if you could be anything?’
‘I’d like to be able to…code. Sir. Make money by writing computer code.’
‘Seems hard enough. Wouldn’t want to live an easy life now would you?’ – Emblem walked off, he had just the right thing. Withing a minute, he came back. Joey was looking over the bookshop and noticed some peculiar items. Must’ve been, like, a Harry Potter memorabilia contest here or something. A sword, some small axes, a cup in a sealed glass cabinet…

‘I got your thing right here.’ said the Firebrand as he placed a small book on his counter. Joey wasn’t magically adept, he’d have no idea what was just put in front of him. The devil’s bookkeep straightened his golden-lined suit. He preferred these artful embellishments, so much better than general black…or blue.

Joey looked at the book, and at the coin. He felt ashamed. He had no money to pay for any of it. He had thought of stealing it, but he just…couldn’t. His feet felt as if they were made of lead.  
‘So, from the sad look on your face I gather that you came here to take a book, but not pay. Next time, Joey, make sure that ‘some say’ -correctly might I add- that I don’t just sell books. Knowledge is an amazing thing, and I wouldn’t want there to be any barrier to that. This shop is half a library anyway. So, let us make a deal. A simple deal. Someday, you will pay me back properly.’

Out from under the counter came some parchment, and the Infinimagus wrote down the lad’s full name, added his own signature and pointed where Joey could sign. As he did, Emblem grabbed a small cloth bag to put around the book. After he had signed, Emblem grabbed the coin and pressed it down next to Joey’s name. As if ink had magically appeared, a diamond revealed itself with 1 small rune next to it. Emblem sighed breathlessly. He knew it. A small price. Oh well. Joey ran off with his new treasure, only to turn at the door. He hadn't noticed Emblem's sigh.

‘How did you know my full name?’
‘Why my boy, you just said it yourself. I can make magic happen. Now run along.’
And normally the story would end there. Emblem made himself a pot of tea and went back to his research. He chuckled. Joey’s name meant ‘to add or increase’, but a Diamond 1 was hardly the trouble. Still, the learning enchantment hardly had cost him. Joey was already driven, he just needed a little push.

Years later, Joey would return in his shop. A young adult that worked at some burgeoning IT-company. He did all right, was able to live and provide. Joey had jokes now, even one about how Emblem now even had a beard that was supposed to be magical. It was then that Emblem asked him for a simple thing. Joey’s jokes were instantly gone.

Emblem asked for -four- physical passes that allowed him to use the city’s public transport without payment. Joey somehow felt like he could not refuse. It seemed fair, yet it was a blatant illegal act. Yet in the end, he relented. Emblem received them by post a few days later. Seemed a simple enough job indeed, a small price to pay. The contract was fulfilled.

One of those passes would be exchanged for someone who would end up using it to commit multiple acts of arson before being caught. The pass itself was damaged, but somehow, an officer had traced it back to him. On a hunch, most likely.
‘Yes, Officer Garcia? How may I be of service?’
‘Did you know about these, mr. Forrest?’
‘No ma’ am. I was however, about to call you. You know, as our neighborhood officer in these trying times…
‘Cut it would ya?’
Emblem smiled a toothed and wicked smile. He knew she had nothing on him. Yet he had enough for her.
‘I was officer. My word is bond you see, as a law abiding citizen. I was gifted one of these passes myself. I cannot for the life of me remember how I got it, but I give it to you. May it aid you in catching the culprit and restoring safety around these parts. We can’t have someone here forging fake passes to cheat the public transport system now can we?’
Officer Garcia had been around here multiple times. Her kids liked this bookshop and it’s proprietor was nice to them, but he was a snake. She just couldn’t prove it yet. She received another of the forged passes, thanked the Firebrand and went off. Emblem nodded.

Either Joey was sloppy in his request and will be punished for his hubris, or he will live an honest life for the remainder of his days. Emblem looked down at the small slip of parchment and noticed the ink was fading. This contract was complete.
As he inspected the parchment, he saw a plethora of names and coin seals…