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"Euripus has continued to enjoy numerous decades of prosperity under the rule of the holy Albescu family line. Despite the bad health that seems to plague the family, they've continued to serve the kingdom well, and keep us all on the path towards peace and stability. It is expected that Ourania Albescu will continue on this course forged by her predecessors."
— excerpt from "Memoir of Ros", written by Dorotheos Antonis
OURANIA ALBESCU
ruler of cancer / 26 / euripus / biological symbiosis / mihie miach
OURANIA ALBESCU
ruler of cancer / 26 / euripus / biological symbiosis / mihie miach
B I O L O G I C A L . S Y M B I O S I S
I.
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R E S T R A I N
II.
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O N S L A U G H T
III.
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E N D U R E
IV.
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C O N S U M E
V.
A symbiote lives in Ourania's skin, and although it can't talk, it certainly has a mind of its own. In an attempt to protect Ourania — and by proxy, protect itself — from any outside threat, it forms a silver second layer of skin over the threatened area. Thick and malleable like rubber. Immune to any blunt or sharp weapons, it is possible for this second layer of skin to shift to other parts of her body should the threat be redirected somewhere else. However, this second layer of skin is still susceptible to other forms of damage such as extreme heat or explosions. In such cases, it will only provide momentary protection, before the symbiote itself is damaged and retreats back into Ourania's skin.
The symbiote living in her is also capable of restraining anyone within close range that it deems a threat, extending itself and wrapping the silver skin around their wrists like rubber shackles. Ourania can specifically order it to restrain or release someone, but it may or may not follow said order, as even symbiotes can be as finicky as humans themselves.
With a little bit of persuasion, Ourania is able to coax the symbiote out and harden it into any object she desires. It provides an amazing amount of versatility in a fight, but there is no guarantee that the symbiote will leave her skin when she needs it to. Usually, it only leaves her skin if it detects a threat, otherwise it takes effort on Ourania's part to get it to cooperate, assuming that it wants to in the first place.
In the unlikely event that the symbiote is damaged — in fire or an explosion — it saps Ourania's physical and emotional energy so that it may regenerate. Ourania is left in a stupor, hovering on the edge of unconsciousness, until the symbiote has fully recovered. The more damage done, the more that it feeds. If the damage is severe enough, it'll feed on something it finds more appetizing; her lifespan. More and more until it's satisfied.
The Cancer Zodiacs tend to have variable life spans due to the nature of their power stemming from the symbiote. The symbiote is a living thing in some respects, and although it does not speak, it is still capable of recognizing an equal, and overpowering those it deems weak. Some have managed to maintain a balanced relationship, benefiting from the symbiote's durability, allowing them to live their lives well into old age. Others, however, have not been as fortunate.
Many have fallen prey to the symbiote's ravenous hunger. Slowly, bit by bit, their own body began to destroy itself. In most cases, their sight goes first. Then their motor abilities. Before these Cancers quickly passed on, they usually had no other choice but to give up the Caelios so that the next Cancer would not receive a weakened power. What will ultimately happen to Ourania remains to be seen, but it is telling that she has not yet become another meal for the symbiote to devour.
The symbiote living in her is also capable of restraining anyone within close range that it deems a threat, extending itself and wrapping the silver skin around their wrists like rubber shackles. Ourania can specifically order it to restrain or release someone, but it may or may not follow said order, as even symbiotes can be as finicky as humans themselves.
With a little bit of persuasion, Ourania is able to coax the symbiote out and harden it into any object she desires. It provides an amazing amount of versatility in a fight, but there is no guarantee that the symbiote will leave her skin when she needs it to. Usually, it only leaves her skin if it detects a threat, otherwise it takes effort on Ourania's part to get it to cooperate, assuming that it wants to in the first place.
In the unlikely event that the symbiote is damaged — in fire or an explosion — it saps Ourania's physical and emotional energy so that it may regenerate. Ourania is left in a stupor, hovering on the edge of unconsciousness, until the symbiote has fully recovered. The more damage done, the more that it feeds. If the damage is severe enough, it'll feed on something it finds more appetizing; her lifespan. More and more until it's satisfied.
The Cancer Zodiacs tend to have variable life spans due to the nature of their power stemming from the symbiote. The symbiote is a living thing in some respects, and although it does not speak, it is still capable of recognizing an equal, and overpowering those it deems weak. Some have managed to maintain a balanced relationship, benefiting from the symbiote's durability, allowing them to live their lives well into old age. Others, however, have not been as fortunate.
Many have fallen prey to the symbiote's ravenous hunger. Slowly, bit by bit, their own body began to destroy itself. In most cases, their sight goes first. Then their motor abilities. Before these Cancers quickly passed on, they usually had no other choice but to give up the Caelios so that the next Cancer would not receive a weakened power. What will ultimately happen to Ourania remains to be seen, but it is telling that she has not yet become another meal for the symbiote to devour.
☐ │ seafood, water, oceans
☐ │ fragrances, high areas, alcohol
☐ │ sweets, warm blankets, big beds
☐ │ fishing, sleeping, soft textures
x
x
☐ │ deserts, forests, bitter foods
☐ │ being touched, loud noises
☐ │ sharp objects, fire, cold
☐ │ rejection, snow, defiance
You fish for the silver light, there on the quiet lake, so clear
to see; you plunge your hands into the water and come up empty.
"What burns me now?
Desire, desire, desire."
moral alignment: neutral good
seraphim
Ourania likes to indulge in the finer things in life. Perhaps a little too much for her own good. Can you blame her? After all, she spent a lot of her life hidden away from the outside world, safe from any potential threats on her life. That isn't to say she was never able to venture outside, but when she did she was always accompanied by a set of guards. Always watching her to make sure she was safe. Always keeping her within line of sight. Always. So much so that she grew terribly annoyed with it all. It wasn't uncommon for her to sneak out of the palace the few times she could.
It was only then that she could truly appreciate Euripus for what it was. The crowded market stalls. The air filled with the savor of bread. It was deeply gratifying experience, seeing the country from outside the bars of a gilded cage. Despite the efforts of her parents, her little escapades continued for quite some time. Ourania learned the ins-and-outs of the city streets, little nooks and crannies she could scurry away too so she wouldn't be caught. She also had the help of a few citizens who were willing to hide her out in their homes, offering her pastries and a story to listen to.
But she would soon become too fearful to continue wandering the streets like she did, as not everyone had the best intentions. She's reminded of that every time she looks in the mirror, the harsh scar on her neck still far too visible.
Thankfully, Ourania doesn't remember much of the incident, given that it happened in her younger years, but now there are few places where she feels safe without a guard near. Even when she can't see them, she has the comfort of knowing that someone will be there to help her when she needs it, and that knowledge allows her to be a tad more trusting than she should be.
With age came more responsibilities, a burden that should've weighed heavily on Ourania's shoulders. But Ourania saw it as nothing of the sort. If anything it was gift, to be worshiped like she was, to be likened to a goddess. In Euripus, the ruler is also the head of their religion, and while Ourania never held much belief in religion herself, she plays the part well, if only to placate the populace.
Though now, she's grown too accustomed to the word "Yes," having her every request accepted far too easily, her every need and desire met at the snap of her fingers. Rejection is harsh on her ears, a discordant chord that wounds her more than it should, but she's not likely to let that show. She's mastered the art of staining her lips with a smile, never letting it fall for too long when she's in the company of guests.
This sensitivity to rejection has also brought about an unpleasant sense of possessiveness and jealousy, two qualities that one wouldn't expect from someone as cordial as Ourania.
Over the years she's learned the importance of loyalty; of what it could inspire in others and how to use it to her advantage. Her persuasiveness borders on manipulation—too comfortable with breaking personal boundaries, too quick to expunge herself of blame and pin it on others. Ourania believes she could never commit any wrongs, not truly, for her intentions are always good. Perhaps all the adoration and worship has gone a little bit to her head, but she'd never admit that to anyone. No, she's much too good to be influenced by such things.
She had a first taste of true freedom a year before she was crowned as ruler of Euripus, and she took advantage of it. Ourania spent that year traveling the Cosmos, visiting any and all kingdoms that she possibly could. How small and insignificant her world was in comparison to everything else. At the age of eighteen Ourania received the Caelios crystal and was crowned. She was well aware of the power she would gain as the new Cancer. Very aware, and terrified. Her mother had struggled to control the symbiote herself, and nearly wasted away because of it.
Who could say the same wouldn't happen to her?
These thoughts remained unspoken as she bit her lip and smiled, accepting the crystal as if it was the greatest gift she'd ever been offered. But behind closed doors there'd be many times when she felt as if she was fighting her own body, as if her own body wanted her dead. No one knows of these happenings. She's able to hide it well enough, and with each passing day the symbiote seems more tolerant of her than before.
As ruler of Euripus, it's hard to tell that she ever grew up. She's still the same girl, wandering the streets of whenever possible, following an unknown path through the intersecting alleyways, but now she makes sure someone's always watching her back. Ourania's gained a reputation for being sympathetic and understanding, always one to lend an ear and help in whichever way she can. She makes the effort to be among her people whenever possible, so that they can see she's just like them, no matter how far that is from the truth.
It was only then that she could truly appreciate Euripus for what it was. The crowded market stalls. The air filled with the savor of bread. It was deeply gratifying experience, seeing the country from outside the bars of a gilded cage. Despite the efforts of her parents, her little escapades continued for quite some time. Ourania learned the ins-and-outs of the city streets, little nooks and crannies she could scurry away too so she wouldn't be caught. She also had the help of a few citizens who were willing to hide her out in their homes, offering her pastries and a story to listen to.
But she would soon become too fearful to continue wandering the streets like she did, as not everyone had the best intentions. She's reminded of that every time she looks in the mirror, the harsh scar on her neck still far too visible.
Thankfully, Ourania doesn't remember much of the incident, given that it happened in her younger years, but now there are few places where she feels safe without a guard near. Even when she can't see them, she has the comfort of knowing that someone will be there to help her when she needs it, and that knowledge allows her to be a tad more trusting than she should be.
With age came more responsibilities, a burden that should've weighed heavily on Ourania's shoulders. But Ourania saw it as nothing of the sort. If anything it was gift, to be worshiped like she was, to be likened to a goddess. In Euripus, the ruler is also the head of their religion, and while Ourania never held much belief in religion herself, she plays the part well, if only to placate the populace.
Though now, she's grown too accustomed to the word "Yes," having her every request accepted far too easily, her every need and desire met at the snap of her fingers. Rejection is harsh on her ears, a discordant chord that wounds her more than it should, but she's not likely to let that show. She's mastered the art of staining her lips with a smile, never letting it fall for too long when she's in the company of guests.
This sensitivity to rejection has also brought about an unpleasant sense of possessiveness and jealousy, two qualities that one wouldn't expect from someone as cordial as Ourania.
Over the years she's learned the importance of loyalty; of what it could inspire in others and how to use it to her advantage. Her persuasiveness borders on manipulation—too comfortable with breaking personal boundaries, too quick to expunge herself of blame and pin it on others. Ourania believes she could never commit any wrongs, not truly, for her intentions are always good. Perhaps all the adoration and worship has gone a little bit to her head, but she'd never admit that to anyone. No, she's much too good to be influenced by such things.
She had a first taste of true freedom a year before she was crowned as ruler of Euripus, and she took advantage of it. Ourania spent that year traveling the Cosmos, visiting any and all kingdoms that she possibly could. How small and insignificant her world was in comparison to everything else. At the age of eighteen Ourania received the Caelios crystal and was crowned. She was well aware of the power she would gain as the new Cancer. Very aware, and terrified. Her mother had struggled to control the symbiote herself, and nearly wasted away because of it.
Who could say the same wouldn't happen to her?
These thoughts remained unspoken as she bit her lip and smiled, accepting the crystal as if it was the greatest gift she'd ever been offered. But behind closed doors there'd be many times when she felt as if she was fighting her own body, as if her own body wanted her dead. No one knows of these happenings. She's able to hide it well enough, and with each passing day the symbiote seems more tolerant of her than before.
As ruler of Euripus, it's hard to tell that she ever grew up. She's still the same girl, wandering the streets of whenever possible, following an unknown path through the intersecting alleyways, but now she makes sure someone's always watching her back. Ourania's gained a reputation for being sympathetic and understanding, always one to lend an ear and help in whichever way she can. She makes the effort to be among her people whenever possible, so that they can see she's just like them, no matter how far that is from the truth.
I. . . . .
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W E A K N E S S E S
II. . . . .
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Q U I R K S & H A B I T S
III. . . . .
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FILLERTEXTFIL
attentive / Her always has her ear to the ground, listening to everything that happens to reach them, even when she shouldn't. x swordsmanship / Ourania can't exactly rely on her symbiote to protect her from everything, doing so would cause more harm than good. The sword has been her weapon of choice ever since she could pick one up. x swimming / She grew up right by the ocean, mesmerized by the waves washing up against the shore line. It's only natural that she's good at swimming. x persuasive / Ourania is quite good at getting people to open up to her, perhaps its just her friendly nature.
trusting / Ourania finds it too easy to see the good in others, believing that even if they hurt her, they didn't intend to. At the very least, that's what she tells herself. x blameless / Sshe only sees the good in others, because she can only see the good in herself. Never has she ever intended to harm anyone, so surely she's not at fault. Right?x strength / Despite her swordsmanship skills, Ourania isn't as physically strong as she'd like to be. Without a weapon she's practically defenseless. x health / Even though her body has gotten used to the symbiote, it still makes her body weaker than it should be.
likes to soak in water for long hours | flinches any time someone unexpectedly touches her | has five different blankets on her bed whenever she sleeps | will avoid fire places and fire pits | avoids handling sharp objects like knives or broken glass | absentmindedly covers her scar whenever she's uncomfortable | makes random objects out of the symbiote when she thinks no one is looking
trusting / Ourania finds it too easy to see the good in others, believing that even if they hurt her, they didn't intend to. At the very least, that's what she tells herself. x blameless / Sshe only sees the good in others, because she can only see the good in herself. Never has she ever intended to harm anyone, so surely she's not at fault. Right?x strength / Despite her swordsmanship skills, Ourania isn't as physically strong as she'd like to be. Without a weapon she's practically defenseless. x health / Even though her body has gotten used to the symbiote, it still makes her body weaker than it should be.
likes to soak in water for long hours | flinches any time someone unexpectedly touches her | has five different blankets on her bed whenever she sleeps | will avoid fire places and fire pits | avoids handling sharp objects like knives or broken glass | absentmindedly covers her scar whenever she's uncomfortable | makes random objects out of the symbiote when she thinks no one is looking
Fruit lodged in the throat
Like a knife with no hilt
Like a knife with no hilt