Vicira Tears was the last Aquila of Inferni. She was the daughter of Myrika Tears and Vesper, both prior leaders of the clan; her father was Cirael June Lykoi, who was murdered for betraying the Legatus.
Raised in peacetime, Vicira experienced relatively little strife during her first two years of life. She aspired to become a horsewoman, scholar, and scout, and trained in these skills as she kept to herself. However, she began to come out of her shell with the influence of cousin and crush, Marlowe de le Poer, and as tensions formed within and outside the clan, she prepared for it.
With the Inferni and Cour des Miracles Conflict, Vicira got her first taste of war -- and betrayal. A pregnancy (later discovered false) drove a rift between herself and Marlowe before he was exiled, and Vicira came out of the war changed and at odds with Vesper, who usurped Myrika as Aquila. Drug addiction and lack of faith in Vesper, who she saw as a weak and paranoid leader, led Vicira down a dark spiral until she fought to claw herself out. This became necessary when Vesper was terribly injured during the Second Boreas Conflict; when it seemed uncertain Vesper would recover, Vicira acted as commander for Inferni and led the clan into its final battle against Boreas.
Later that autumn, Vicira gave birth to her first two children, Merari Tears and Boone Lykoi, the result of a fling with her friend Redtooth. A few weeks later, the Inferni-Salsola War began as a result of Vesper's thirst for vengeance. When Salsola struck a final terrible blow, burning down the D'Neville Mansion, Vicira usurped her mother and sought to repair the damage. Her first action was to move Inferni to their ancestral homeland in the Eastern Realms. The winter was harsh, an indication of the struggles to come.
Terrible summer storms darkened Inferni, during which Vicira birthed two new sons: Eli Winthrop and Rhodes Lykoi. Torn between her duties as leader and mother, she was forced to watch the clan suffer from illness and starvation as the floodwaters rose. Eli died of sickness at two weeks old, and Rhodes was later violently killed by a loner when Vicira collapsed from hunger near the unprotected borders. With her clanmates dissenting or outright deserting, this was the final blow for Vicira, who withdrew from the clan for several days.
On the first day of August, Vicira announced the disbandment of Inferni. After promising to leave for better hunting grounds with her remaining family, Vicira departed instead in the dead of night.
Vicira is traveling west with her horse. Anyone can reference non-plot intensive encounters with her, e.g. briefly spotting her, asking for directions, swapping brief stories. She would be tight-lipped about her personal past, but would gladly point strangers in the direction of 'Souls, as well as trade for food, gear, and information.
For plot-intensive encounters (e.g. someone recognizing her and asking about Inferni), please PM me first.
1. Appearance
1.1 Basics
Essentials
Species: Vicira is clearly identifiable as a coyote-wolf hybrid. Her scent and features are dominantly coyote, but her mostly-monochrome coat and her height are wolf-like.
Fur: Short, thick, and plush.
Optime Hair: A feminine bob of thick locks around her face, cut to barely above her shoulders.
Facial Features: Coyote-like features with a long, slim muzzle and large ears. However, her face is more soft-featured than a purebred coyote. She has a striking scar above her left eye.
Build and Size: Vicira is slim with a long torso and legs. She is slender but not dainty, with muscular legs and a deep chest; she looks obviously toned in Optime form. She is larger than the average coyote and about the size of a wolf.
Proud, cold exterior with flashes of quick temper and harshness; a pragmatic but not necessarily gentle leader.
Direct and to the point, she dislikes unnecessary pomp and is less tactful the older she gets.
Good-natured and at ease around companions, not very emotive (e.g., rarely expresses strong happiness but may smirk or laugh).
Enjoys socializing with others despite a cool exterior; genuinely likes to be "among her people."
Motivated strongly by Inferni and her children; sees these as an extension of herself and her own success.
High expectations for her children or comrades may drive a wedge in relationships; on the other hand, she is very enthusiastic with (well-earned) praise.
Disdains any signs of her own vulnerability and cultivates a collected persona based on this; feels more deeply than she lets on.
Softer, more uncertain side is shown only to very close individuals; she has few friends she would reveal this to.
Critical of others, with unreasonably high expectations of most; often hypocritical regarding her dislike for impulsiveness, etc.
No qualms with violence against outsiders (non-coyotes) if it suits her needs; strong segregationist views, "us" versus "other," morally justifies this.
Species: Strong separationist views; coyotes should be with coyotes, and non-coyotes with non-coyotes. No belief of species superiority.
Non-Luperci: Indifferent, sees them as no less able to contribute to clan life. Dislikes closed-minded views on either side; a non-Luperci should never be forcibly infected, but they shouldn't entirely shut out the possibility it might make them happier.
Sexuality: Accepting of various sexual orientations and views them as normal.
Sexuality
Heterosexual (and attracted to coyotes almost exclusively)
Attracted to confident and outgoing individuals, as well as "bad boys."
Seems to have no issue using her sexuality to get what she wants.
Substances
Marlowe let her try marijuana and Vicira seems to like it a bit much. :|
Shows signs of addiction and withdrawal, including: insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and cravings. She turns to marijuana frequently to relieve her stress and, while she denies that it affects her, a lack of marijuana is most evident in her worsenened temper.
Indifferent toward other substances, and doesn't seek them out; may drink or smoke tobacco socially.
Spiritually
Agnostic leaning toward atheist.
Some openness toward idea that something is out there -- unexplained phenomena, origin of the world, etc.
Interested in why others believe in certain things, but disdains preaching. More interested in how morals motivate others.
Extended: Vicira is related to half of Nova Scotia through the Lykoi family, her father's Kimaris and Nothing families, and her distant Sadira relatives. Her extended family is immense, though she is only aware of InferniLykoi connections.
Vesper: Once the protector and provider of the family, a figure Vicira adored and sought comfort in when she was small. However, Veper's growing paranoia and usurpation of Myrika soured their relationship, and they were at drastic odds until the conclusion of the Inferni-Salsola War "broke" Vesper. Vicira treats her retired mother with great care now, and mostly just feel sorry for her.
Myrika Tears: Vicira's biological mother. When she was young, Vici emulated Myrika, shared her interests, and confided in her with most problems that needed something other than Vesper's rough touch. When Myri was usurped, she was very defensive of her; however, when Myrika subsequently left the clan, Vicira felt betrayed. Vicira currently views Myri in an overall fond, nostalgic light -- but she can't help but feel things would be different were she still around.
Redtooth: Vicira’s baby daddy! ;) Their relationship began as friends-with-benefits when Vicira was amused and charmed by the tobacco farmer, but it evolved over time into something more romantic. Redtooth's humor, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support weakened Vici's shell over time. She lurves him.
Nazario del Bosque: An adoptive son/nephew of sorts whom Vicira has taken under her wing. She adores Nazario and wants to groom him into a confidant and a coyote to be reckoned with. (She probably will love him more than her own bio kids, tbh.)
Versace Inferni: Her adoptive sister's religious views alienated Vicira somewhat, but since the birth of her own children and Cartier's death Vicira hopes to mend their relationship.
Fang Espinoza: Her second-in-command and mother's lover -- though Vici will never see her as a "stepmother." She respects Fang for her experience and because she takes care of Vesper, but appointed her to her position largely because she hopes Fang will offer opposing views for her to consider.
Antioch de le Poer: Bellator, someone Vicira deeply trusts as loyal to the clan.
Shikoba Whiplash: A charming, loyal friend. Vicira had feelings for him (and still thinks he's hot and funny), but nothing became of their relationship when Shikoba left the clan. Now that he's back, Vicira really wants to be friends again; she misses Shikoba's companionship.
3.2 Outsider Relations
Cartier Inferni: Adoptive brother, but the sibling Vicira was always closest to. They share several interests and duties, and Vicira always encouraged and defended him (if often losing patience when he became [literally] self-flagellating). They had a falling out when Vicira convinced Vesper to demote Cartier following a crippling injury, and remained bitter for some months. They were not able to entirely reconcile before Cartier's death.
Marlowe de le Poer: Exiled cousin, formerly a friend (with benefits). Vicira was attracted to Marlowe's roguish charms, and he managed to bring her out of her shell -- an influence both good and bad. However, his relationship with her turned nasty with the discovery of her (supposed) pregnancy, and he subsequently betrayed the clan. Vicira was badly hurt by this, but she has since hardened herself against thoughts of him. His influence on her character is immense, no matter which way she goes.
Skoll Haskel: A stranger who threatened Vicira on two occasions, and part of the cause of the Inferni-CdM Conflict. Vicira sees him as a brute and instigator and is wary of Cour des Miracles as a result.
4. Assets
4.1 Abilities
Horsemanship
Education and Learning: Vicira learned much of her skill with horses from her mother, Myrika Tears. She has gained experience through working with the clan's animals as well as her own ornery horse, furthering her skills.
Maintenance, Care (Journeyman): Vicira is capable of providing horses with proper care, seeing to their basic needs -- from feeding to grooming, exercise, and very basic hoof care. She can recognize common illnesses and problems in horses (such as thrush).
Riding (Master): She is a confident rider who can put all but the most difficult horses through their paces. She is adept at controlling her spirited, dominant horse.
Training (Journeyman): Vici knows the basics of training horses for different purposes, such as breaking wild horses or training them for the purposes of pulling carts, etc.
Vici doesn't have knowledge on more advanced horse issues, such as dental care. While she can recognize problems, she is better at preventing maladies than treating them.
She has little experience training horses for very specific purposes, such as war or fancy herding; she's better at training them for the basics.
While she has experience, Vicira hasn't dealt with very, very aggressive or fearful horses.
Sociopolitical
Education and Learning: Vicira has taken the initiative to explore these skills on her own. Her current knowledge is through experience only -- including her mistakes.
Diplomacy (Journeyman): Because she chooses her words carefully and has a naturally mild nature, Vicira is naturally very diplomatic. She can remain calm in many tense situations.
Trading (Apprentice): Vicira is no craftsman, but she sometimes trades on behalf of the clan. She is a very cautious trader, careful about receiving good trades.
Reading, Writing (Journeyman): Vicira learned to read and write from her mother Myrika. She can read simple text very quickly, and she has large, neat handwriting that is readable by most Luperci standards.
While usually level-headed and well-spoken, Vici sometimes fumbles when in new or distressing situations. She also has little motive to conceal her opinions.
Due to lack of familiarity with the goods she trades, Vicira cannot always talk up their qualities accurately. She isn't given to embellishments other "salespeople" employ.
Vici comprehends texts best when they're relevant, and struggles with large words and concepts. She is also far better at copying text than writing it her own; her grammar and spelling can be awkward.
Survival
Education and Learning: Vesper has been Vicira's primary teacher in hunting and scouting, and set a foundation for her fighting skills. Marlowe has also trained her in fighting.
Scouting (Journeyman): Vicira is a keen observer thanks to her quiet nature; it's hard for her to miss oddities in the environment around her. She is a decent tracker and knows Inferni intimately enough to pick up on when something is amiss. She can read signs of prey and danger well.
Hunting (Apprentice): Vicira has a decent success rate at hunting small-medium prey, such as rabbits, raccoons, or groundhogs. She has hunted in a group before and, thanks to her wolfish side, is an asset when taking down large prey like deer.
Fighting (Dabbler): She has been taught a smattering of self-defense, mostly feral fighting styles that take advantage of her height, long reach, and fast strikes.
Vici is usually vigilant, but she can get inside her own head -- focusing on a problem and ignoring her surroundings, for instance. She isn't as familiar with the territory outside Inferni.
Vicira's hunting skill comes predominately from choosing her prey carefully. She is less adept at hunting big prey on her own, relying on direction from others instead.
She has no real experience in battle. Her long limbs make her occasionally clumsy, and she relies mostly on instinct.
A re-purposed (full-sized) mattress lies in the far corner, just below a grimy, coverless window, and a stack of books and miscellaneous belongings sit in the opposite corner. The most eye-catching thing about this room is the bronze, three-pronged candelabra sitting beside these things.
Trade
Though Vicira has the Tradesperson co-rank, she has little herself to offer. However, she will happily make deals with outsiders and peddle the wares of others. She often trades with Inferni's communal items and will happily arrange a trade for a clanmate (with some compensation, of course). She is most interested, for herself, in the trade of new knowledge (especially in the form of books) and gear relevant to horses.
Offering: Inferni goods, horse training, horse riding lessons, her skillset
Accepting: Goods for Inferni, horse gear, medicine, books, new knowledge
[M]Your Beauty on the Run from Me (yNPC) Vicira saves new member Messiah de le Poer from a horse. She tries her best to encourage and be kind to him, since he's obviously nervous about being so new in Inferni, and teaches him a little about the horses. However, a misunderstanding leads Messiah to touch Vicira inappropriately -- and while he departs at her firm "no," Vicira is left shaken.
[M]Daylight Sleeper, Bloody Reaper (NPC) Messiah de le Poer is accused of crimes against the clan. Vicira attends the trial, to see what will happen to the man and to comfort her aunt Sparrow -- but then the trial takes a dark turn.
[M]But I Won't Be Your Glass Figurine Smoking and watching the red star, Vicira is visited by Liir Altav. They flirt and sneak off to sleep together -- an experience Vici finds unsatisfying.
[M]Good, Bad, Worse, Terrible Vicira brings Clover to the medics after a suspicious border altercation. Suffering from withdrawal-induced anxiety and aggression, Vici confronts Fang Espinoza, who is having none of it.