🧸 Off-stage, this 'villain' is a lot more caring and sweet than most people realize. 🧸

"It gets so lonely being evil. What I'd do to see a smile, even for a little while."

♫ ‘When You’re Evil’ -  Voltaire ♫

The eccentric characters in Aerel are plentiful. For just one city, it supplies more than its fair share of marvels and stories. One particularly interesting tale is that of Tobias Toulon and his surprising dedication to cheering up those in need. Shaky, shy, and timid, he has trouble communicating on his own. So, he turned to a passion of his - ventriloquism. Playing with toys, just like when he was a kid, helps to relieve his anxiety and grant a bit of tension. But, he wasn't content with putting on small-time puppet shows on his own. He wanted to free up his time to be able to do more and make more toys and puppets.

Upon hearing about Oscar Vadaszffy's upcoming experiments with animus crystals, gems used to house magical energy, Toulon took up correspondence with the inventor in hopes of making a collaboration. After reaching an agreement, Oscar supplied Toulon with three animus crystals filled with spirits siphoned from the Sollus Anima, a realm believed to be the intangible source of magical energies. In preparation, Toulon prepared three dolls and a first play for them to perform. When everything went well, Toulon and Oscar both celebrated - Oscar especially, as this meant his design for a human-like automaton was possible after all.

One of these three living doll thespians is Nathaniel Nefarious, designed to play the villain in the simplistic tales of morality put on by the puppets. Although, to his personal dismay, his reputation as a villain precedes him despite the fact it's only a character he plays. Now, off-stage, he wishes that he could be seen as more than the stingy, villainous toy that he's so often believed to be. Deep inside, Nathaniel has a sweet and caring soul. Now, if only someone could see it..

This has been a long-time request. Yes, I like your idea. Anyway, let me lay something out; Tobias Toulon was a character I meant to make months ago but ended up cancelling due to me liking his story so much. If I ever actually get off my ass and write a real story, I want him to be a part of it. He is, obviously, very much inspired by the Puppet Master series. As for Nathaniel? Just sort of tied in to Toulon's story as I felt like I should make this.