Sworded Tales

The “Riddles and Rhymes” and “Echoes of Her Past” series here on Sworded Tales refer to a PC named Cynthia Anna Marie Domin.  She was birthed for a World of Darkness Changeling game in which we played chyldlings.  Here is the original concept sheet for her (an act I perform for many PC’s, but hers was more involved than most):

Profile:
– a 37″ tall, seven year old girl, app. 42 lbs.
– long, dark auburn hair that always seems to be hanging in her face
– little pug nose, deep brown eyes, prominent throat mechanics and a gap between her left incisor and canine
– ears are attached to the head the whole way around, not pierced
– round, dark, slightly raised birthmark on her hamstring about three inches above the knee
– always wears a denim jumper in varying shades of blue with a front chest pocket
– shiny black patent leather shoes with frilly white ankle socks
– always carries her backpack with her

Backpack:
– black with leather bottom, front and main pouch
– carries: a book and crayons for coloring, a stuffed animal, a pouch of goodies, a play phone, marbles

Notes:
– the howl of the wind
– screams of the dying live on in a curse
– ‘We are the screams of the dying.  We are the howl of the wind.  We are everywhere.  We see everything.  You can not hide from us…’
– do not scream, it will only make them stronger
– they are at peace during the calm, during the storm, none can withstand them
– each whisper, each moan, each howl, each scream…is another one
– we travel the void, the space between life and death
– we walk with the dead living and the living dead
– we are the echo
– ‘Do you hear it? Strength from the screams. There is peace in silence, but the screams are what make me whole. Will you scream for me?’

Looking back on that initial concept and then the host of memorable scenes that developed in playing Cyndi, she was a landmark character for me.  I can’t say I fancy playing children, but I made my little Sluagh girl an ancient soul who was a delicious cross between Wednesday Addams and Samara from The Ring, though Cyndi was alive and kicking (quite literally) long before Samara found her way to mainstream media.  The chyldling flashbacks I had when I first saw Samara squirm from the television…  *FALCONPUNCH!*

The fact that I could play Cyndi like the prodigal visionary added such potential.  I think she gave me further insight into character depth than any other I had played, at least up to that point.  The innocence of youth blended with the horror of eternal precognition.  What’s not to like?

I’m sure her echoes will be long lived both here and throughout the other paths I walk.