Mesmer's Shadow

minor Active Sessions 10–11

Freedom through anonymity, the masks we wear, power without consequence, the appeal of being someone else

character development

Description

Caelum Cadere crafts an alternate identity—'Mesmer,' a traveling mercenary from the south—to operate in Flower Bay's criminal underworld without compromising his noble reputation. The disguise features black hair, an eyepatch covering his magically frozen eye, and raven-feathered armor that ironically screams 'Cadir bastard' to observant viewers. As Mesmer, Caelum experiences liberation: he can fight without political consequence, pursue criminal enterprises, and express the rage he must suppress as Lord Cadere. During the spider attack, he revels in combat with undisguised glee, finally free to use his silver flame powers without fear of exposure. The dual identity allows him to be 'stupidly fun' rather than carefully controlled, though maintaining both personas will grow increasingly complex as each becomes more entangled in conflicting obligations.

Timeline

Session 10 "False engagements, prison breaks, and spider attacks—just another week in Flower Bay."

The Mercenary's Mask

Caelum debuts the Mesmer identity at Dragon Sigh, explaining the disguise and requesting introduction to the Gloaming Guild as a mercenary. Daria and Vixia point out the disguise's Cadir markers.

Eight-Legged Terror

As Mesmer, Caelum fights the giant spiders with visible joy, free to use his silver flame sword without political consequences. He protects Daria's unconscious body and confronts Prator without noble restraint.

Hearts Unguarded

Mesmer joins Daria and Vixia at the tavern, struggling to maintain the disguise while drunk. Helga and other patrons accept him as a traveling mercenary, validating the alternate identity's effectiveness.

Session 11 "Masks fall and blood rises as secrets older than the crown threaten to drown them all."

Pleasures and Pretense

As Mesmer, Caelum drinks heavily at the Night Dancer, purchasing expensive wine and drawing attention. The disguise allows him freedom from noble constraints.

The Mask Slips

The disguise nearly fails when John and Thalara arrive. Caelum removes his eyepatch revealing his obsidian eye, trying to differentiate Mesmer from Lord Cadere. The dual identity's fragility becomes apparent.

The Serpent's Bargain

Mesmer negotiates with Echoe as a mercenary rather than noble, making deals that Lord Cadere couldn't make. The identity serves criminal purposes effectively.

Plotting the Impossible

Planning the prison break as Mesmer while needing an alibi for Lord Cadere's absence from the masquerade. The logistics of maintaining both identities grow complex.

Blood in the Rising Tide

Mesmer fights in the flooded prison with silver flames, beheading Foren Daratharis. The disguise allows violence and brutality that Lord Cadere must never show.