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CODEX
Character History: Julian Ashford
Early Life in Kirkwall, Free Marches (9:11–9:21 Dragon)
Julian Ashford was born in 9:11 Dragon in Kirkwall, one of the most turbulent and infamous cities in the Free Marches. His family lived in the poorer districts of the city, struggling to make ends meet in a place rife with corruption, violence, and fear. Julian’s father was a dockworker, toiling long hours to provide for the family, while his mother, a gentle and nurturing woman, worked as a seamstress. From a young age, Julian displayed a sharp intellect and a deep sensitivity to the emotions and well-being of those around him.
Growing up in Kirkwall, Julian was exposed to the harsh realities of life early on. He saw the struggles of the city’s oppressed, the brutality of the templars, and the simmering tension between mages and non-mages. Despite this, he found solace in books, often escaping into the pages of the few tomes his mother could afford or borrowing what he could from the local Chantry. His fascination with knowledge and the mysteries of the world was evident even in his early years.
At the age of ten, Julian’s life changed dramatically when his latent magical abilities began to manifest. Unlike in Ferelden or Orlais, where the Chantry’s influence was somewhat less direct, in Kirkwall, the templars were notoriously strict and quick to act. After a frightening incident where Julian unintentionally caused a small fire in his home, the templars were alerted, and he was swiftly taken to the Gallows, the imposing fortress that served as the Circle of Magi in Kirkwall.
Life in the Circle (9:21–9:39 Dragon)
The Gallows was a grim and oppressive environment, far removed from the relative freedom Julian had known in his early childhood. The transition to life in the Circle was difficult; the isolation and constant surveillance by templars instilled a deep sense of fear and unease in him. However, Julian’s innate curiosity and aptitude for magic helped him to adapt. He quickly became one of the most promising apprentices, particularly skilled in the schools of Spirit and Creation magic.
Julian’s time in the Circle was marked by internal conflict. He formed close bonds with a few fellow mages, sharing in their desire for freedom and better treatment, but he also understood the dangers of unchecked power. The oppressive atmosphere of the Gallows only deepened his understanding of the world’s cruelty, fostering a growing resentment towards the templars and the Chantry, but also a fear of what he could become if he ever lost control.
As Julian grew older, his interest in the Fade and its denizens intensified. He spent countless hours studying the nature of spirits and demons, fascinated by the delicate balance between the two. This academic pursuit, while it broadened his understanding of magic, also led to whispered concerns among the templars. They saw in Julian a potential for trouble, a mage whose curiosity could easily lead him down a dangerous path.
The Mage-Templar War and Descent into Despair (9:39 Dragon)
When the tensions between mages and templars erupted into open conflict in 9:39 Dragon, Kirkwall became a flashpoint. The brutal regime of Knight-Commander Meredith and the horrifying events surrounding the explosion of the Chantry had already set the city on edge. Julian found himself thrust into the chaos as the Mage-Templar War began to sweep across Thedas. He was torn between his loyalty to his fellow mages and the fear of what such a war could unleash upon the world.
As the conflict in Kirkwall reached its peak, Julian made the decision to flee the Gallows rather than remain a pawn in the bloody struggle. He escaped into the wilderness of the Free Marches, becoming one of many fugitive mages struggling to survive in a world that had become increasingly hostile. The isolation, the constant threat of discovery, and the sheer difficulty of survival wore down his already fragile psyche. Julian, who had once been full of curiosity and potential, began to descend into a deep depression, haunted by the memories of his friends and the life he had lost.
The Encounter with Lustara
During his time in the wilds, Julian’s emotional turmoil and deep-seated desires drew the attention of Lustara, a cunning and seductive desire demon. Lustara was drawn to Julian’s longing for peace, belonging, and the love he had never truly experienced. The demon began to visit Julian in his dreams, initially appearing as a comforting figure, offering him the solace and understanding he desperately craved.
As time passed, Lustara’s influence grew stronger, whispering to Julian in his moments of weakness, promising an end to his suffering and a return to happiness. Julian, worn down by months of fear and despair, found it increasingly difficult to resist the demon’s temptations. He longed for the release Lustara offered, but his fear of becoming the very thing he had always dreaded—a possessed abomination—kept him from fully surrendering.
Eventually, Julian’s willpower faltered. In a moment of utter hopelessness, he allowed Lustara to take control, believing it to be his only escape from the endless torment. As the demon possessed him, Julian’s consciousness was submerged, overwhelmed by Lustara’s desires and power. The Julian Ashford who had once been was lost, his soul consumed by the demon that now wore his face.
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TIMELINE
Personality
Lustara is the epitome of charisma. His magnetic personality draws people to him effortlessly, whether they are friends, strangers, or enemies. He exudes confidence and charm, often using his wit and good looks to navigate social situations and manipulate outcomes in his favor. His ability to make others feel at ease, even in tense situations, is a hallmark of his character.**
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Lustara embodies the spirit of rebellion. He resists authority and often challenges the status quo, reflecting his deep-rooted desire for freedom and autonomy. This rebellious streak is not just about defiance; it’s also a search for identity and a refusal to be defined by his past or the expectations of others.**
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Sharp-minded and observant, Lustara possesses a keen intellect that allows him to read people and situations with remarkable accuracy. He has a knack for understanding motivations, desires, and fears, which he often uses to his advantage in solving mysteries or manipulating outcomes. His wit is as quick as his insight, making him a formidable conversationalist.**
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Beneath his confident exterior, Lustara is deeply emotional and often struggles with feelings of guilt, loneliness, and self-doubt. His vulnerability is most apparent in his relationships, particularly with those he cares about. He wrestles with his own inner demons, especially regarding his sense of identity and his past actions, which adds layers to his character and makes him relatable despite his demonic origins.**
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While Lustara may seem self-serving at times, he is fiercely loyal to those he loves. He will go to great lengths to protect his friends and family, even if it means putting himself in danger. This loyalty is intertwined with his complex moral code, which, although unconventional, is guided by a strong sense of justice and a desire to do what he believes is right.**
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Lustara’s sense of humor is another defining trait. He often approaches life with a playful, sometimes irreverent, attitude, which can be both endearing and exasperating to those around him. His love for mischief and indulgence in earthly pleasures, such as fine food, drink, and music, add a light-hearted dimension to his character, contrasting with the darker aspects of his personality.**
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Despite his often devil-may-care attitude, Lustara is constantly in search of redemption. He struggles with the concept of good and evil, trying to reconcile his past with his desire to be better. This internal conflict drives much of his character development.**
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The Lux
The Lux in Antiva City is the epitome of opulence and vice, a place where the boundaries between pleasure, indulgence, and sin blur into a seamless experience of hedonism. Nestled in the heart of Antiva City, this infamous establishment is far more than just a bar; it’s a sprawling den of iniquity that caters to the darkest desires of its patrons, offering everything from intoxicating drinks to clandestine gambling and carnal delights.
Exterior and Location
The Lux stands tall in a shadowed, cobblestone alleyway, its entrance marked by a set of imposing, intricately carved wooden doors, illuminated by the faint glow of enchanted crimson lanterns. The building itself is a work of art—an imposing structure of blackened stone and wrought iron, adorned with luxurious red velvet drapes that hint at the decadence within. The sound of music and laughter spills into the street, luring in those seeking escape from the monotony or morality of the outside world.
Interior and Atmosphere
Upon entering The Lux, visitors are immediately enveloped by an atmosphere thick with seduction and danger. The air is heavy with the scent of exotic incense, spiced wine, and a hint of something more forbidden. The main room is a grand hall, lavishly decorated with dark mahogany furniture, plush velvet seating, and walls adorned with opulent tapestries depicting scenes of revelry and debauchery. Crystal chandeliers hang from the high ceiling, casting a dim, alluring light that plays off the golden accents and the rich hues of deep reds, purples, and blacks.
The Bar
The centerpiece of the main hall is the bar—a long, polished counter of onyx and gold, behind which rows of rare and potent spirits line the shelves. The bartenders, both skilled and seductive, serve drinks that range from Antivan brandy to mysterious elixirs said to spark forbidden desires or embolden the soul for high-stakes games. The bar is often the first stop for patrons, a place to loosen inhibitions before venturing deeper into The Lux’s myriad offerings.
The Brothel
Beyond the main hall, through a series of discreet archways and down dimly lit corridors, lies the heart of The Lux’s more carnal services—the brothel. This section of the establishment is a labyrinth of private rooms, each more luxurious than the last, offering a range of experiences from the tender and sensual to the dark and forbidden. The courtesans of The Lux are renowned across Antiva for their beauty, skill, and discretion. Every whim, every fantasy can be fulfilled here, for the right price.
The Gambling Den
Beneath The Lux, hidden from the prying eyes of the casual visitor, is the gambling den—a place where fortunes are won and lost in the span of a heartbeat. This underground lair is a stark contrast to the opulence above; it’s a smoky, dimly lit space filled with the sound of rolling dice, shuffling cards, and the occasional cheer or cry of despair. The tables are crowded with patrons, from wealthy merchants to notorious assassins, all seeking to test their luck in games of chance, skill, or deception. The stakes here are high, and the consequences of losing can be as deadly as they are financially ruinous.
The Entertainment
At The Lux, the entertainment is as varied as it is provocative. The main stage, situated at the far end of the grand hall, hosts nightly performances ranging from sultry dances and provocative plays to displays of magical prowess that blur the line between illusion and reality. The music is a constant presence, sometimes soft and haunting, other times wild and primal, always adding to the seductive ambiance of the establishment.
Clientele
The clientele of The Lux is as diverse as Antiva City itself—nobles and merchants, spies and thieves, all mingling together under the protective veil of anonymity that The Lux guarantees. Here, everyone is equal in their pursuit of pleasure, power, or escape. It’s a place where secrets are kept, deals are struck, and desires are indulged without judgment.
Reputation and Secrecy
The Lux is both revered and feared across Antiva. It’s a place where anything can be bought, for a price, and where the line between patron and prey can easily blur. The establishment is fiercely protected by its enigmatic owner, a figure shrouded in mystery, who ensures that The Lux remains a safe haven for those who seek its unique brand of entertainment.
In Antiva City, The Lux is not just a place of business—it’s an institution, a legend, a dark beacon for those who live on the edge of society’s norms. To step inside is to abandon the world outside and to surrender to the all-encompassing embrace of depravity and delight that The Lux promises.
Connections
Julian Ashford - The soul that used to inhabit the body now controlled by a desire demon named Lustara. **
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Eithne - Former mage hunter, that hunted ‘Julian’ down, only to find out he’d been entirely taken over by a demon, who Eithne ultimately made a deal with in exchange for letting him go on his merry way afterwards.
Isabelle Fuentes - Second in charge at the Lux who also doubles as enforcer when needed
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