AI-generated concept image for reference only. Not official or final design.

Old Nick

Faction / Organization
The Dead Seeds

Role
Founder

Species
Half Neanderthal, half human with a mirrored Fae spark.

Appearances
Merlin's Crucible,
The Ripper

Aliases
Nick, Reaper of Souls, The Devil, Merlin's Father

Physical Features

  • Age: Since the Dawn of Man
  • Height/Build: Stocky
  • Hair: Untamed waves of silver (formerly raven)
  • Eyes: Red glow when exerting power
  • Other Traits: Thick Neanderthal skull/bone structure; obsidian robes; aura that “bleeds darkness”
  • Changes Since First Appearance:

Personality

Commanding, utilitarian, and absolutist about “balance” and “restoration,” willing to sacrifice morality to secure control and survival.

Background

Raised by Blaise Episternest after the New Gods exiled her to Earth, he lived under her protection until Nick discovered her role in his parents’ demise. This among other events led him to mirror her faerie spark by forcing himself on her and setting in motion a slow but relentless rise to power that would make him feared across realms. Having never known his own parents beyond the tragedy of their loss, Nick could not bear the thought of Merlin growing up without a father when he discovered he had sired a son in the act. This led him to train and instruct Merlin for centuries, all while hunting for the Infernal Circlet to claim greater power and unleash his Horsemen from Pandora’s Box.

Equipment

  • Infernal Circlet — Skull-cored spectral ring that collects souls, cycling through them to use what he needs to secure his reign while also allowing him to access Pandoras Box.
  • Rusted, Jagged Blade — Nick’s favored weapon, weathered by centuries of use and carried as both sword and cane.

Powers & Abilities

  • Binding & Mana-Drain Traps — Spectral chains that restrain and drain magic from targets.
  • Emerald Fire Magic — Used to counter spells and launch bolts of energy at opponents.
  • Soul Stealing — Borrowing power from the Infernal Circlet, Nick is able to pull the souls of dead/dying foes into his ring in order to use their energy for himself.
  • Tactical Warfare — Designs battlefields in advance, coordinates allies, and exploits enemy weaknesses.

Combat Style

Dominant mid-to-close fighter who opens with ranged sorcery to unbalance targets, then closes for blade exchanges. Alternates between personal power and commanding allied forces. Prefers to use a tactical arsenal and will set traps to gain the upper hand for decisive victory.

Notable Feats

  • Ambush at Avalon with Lilith, Morgan, and Famine, resulting in multiple casualties.
  • Revealed the Infernal Circlet containing the bound souls of Merlin’s pupils.
  • Traded malefic bolt and blade with Merlin, countering a quake spell with emerald flame.

  • Triggered a pre-set chain trap from beyond Avalon that drained Merlin’s magic and sealed him away.

Known Weaknesses

  • Pride — Though cunning and patient in most affairs, Nick’s belief in testing worthy opponents himself can override his usual caution. He has been known to dismiss allies mid-battle to engage in personal combat, prolonging fights and giving adversaries rare openings.

 

Author Notes

N/A

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