Edward Nightheart, Witch-King of Erebus Psyche: Amber 6'1" of height, and broad but not overly muscular. Strength: Human Chesnut hair, dark brown eyes, and a slightly reddish Endurance: Chaos pale complexion. Warfare: Chaos Conjuration [ 20 ] Armor: Blackshine [ 10 ] This is a suit of armor formed from moulded shiny black plates, resembling an insect's carapace, inlaid with pink mother-of-pearl, in swirling patterns. It fits its owner very exactly, bulging slightly to present smooth curves which blows glance off of. It is both imposing and extremely tough, capable of stopping bullets and protecting from heat and concussion - but it is also a living creature which responds to Edward's commands. When he wears it, it copies his motions, giving him the equivalent of Amber rank Strength. It also can cling to sheer surfaces, and use its immense strength to climb very quickly. If dama- ged, it will ooze a black ichor for a short time which will disinfect wounds and slow bleeding. It recovers from damage quickly, however, sealing itself in seconds and regenerating all damage in minutes. Crown of Air [ 16 ] This is Edward's battle crown - worn in times of war and strife. It is a gold crown shaped as an Erebus bat - its body is the face of the crown, with two large red pearls for eyes. Its wings sweep back in a circlet which completes the crown. This, too, is a living creature - a being of thought and metal which touches and wraps about the wearers mind. It is not sentient in the conventional sense, but its eyes can see in the dark, and the wearer can tap into that sight. Further, it forms a psychic barrier protecting the wearers mind from outside influence while it is worn. If someone does try to make contact, they will feel only the unyielding metal of the crown. Sword: Farslayer [ 9 ] This is a sword which dances in the air, powered and controlled by the one who wears the silver gauntler on his left hand. The gauntlet-wearer must pick up the sword with that hand, attuning the sword to him. A shadow of the gauntlet appears clutched around the sword's hilt. Now he can move the sword at running speeds by pure thought, and swing it by moving his hand. It hits with the force he swings with, up to a maximum of Chaos rank Strength, and he can feel the weight and the force of impact. If he ever takes off the gauntlet, or unclenches his hand, the sword will drop to the ground, and must be re-attuned. Further, it someone hits the 'shadow hand' around the swords hilt, the user will feel the blow (protected by the gauntlet, of course). Both the sword and the gauntlet are quite tough - capable of bouncing bullets and withstanding very strong blows. History: Edward's grandfather William was a cunning general who swept through the forests, expanding the his kingdom across the planet. He built Darkhaven not as an impenetrable fortress, but rather as a barracks and center for his army. He was ruthless in his campaigns, and slowly wore down his enemies while keeping his borders secure from counterattack. One town after another fell as he outmaneuvered his enemies, always striking where they least expected. However, Edward's father Heward was a spoiled intellectual who did little more than collect taxes during his fifty year reign, and it was primarily luck which kept the borders safe during that time. However, the people were not unsatisfied with Heward, who did not draft the vast ranks that his father did, or demands supplies from villages already hungry. What he did do was to expand Darkhaven from a simple and temporary barracks to an elaborate palace for all time, with gardens, ballrooms, and libraries. Edward was raised in this artistic squalor, inundated by music lessons, art lessons, and all manner of grammar and etiquette. However, he was the cruel and cunning type, and was devoted to the practical. He hated his lessons, and when he could not worm his way out of them, he twisted them to his own purposes. His sculptures were models of fortresses and battlefields; his medicine was points for fatal thrusts; his chemistry was poisons. Nevertheless, the lessons took their toll - Edward was educated, and convinced of the power of learning. In particular, he found his calling in alchemy - distilling essences of life from inanimate materials. He distilled potions from wood and metal which cured disease, enhanced strength and potency, and aided healing. These were already known to some degree. But he had a greater gift - a talent for conjuration - bringing primal qualities and powers out of base substance. His creations grew more exotic and powerful. But, of course, simple physical power was not what he was looking for. He was looking for immortality. Though he was still young by Erebian standards, Edward had his eye on the future, and his failures frustrated him. His experiments grew increasingly strange and other-worldly, and his entertain- ments more jaded. His father was becoming concerned about his behavior, and probably would have done something about it had not he died of a particularly violent fever. As King, Edward quickly secured his power and his privacy, enjoying the expanded reach which the crown lent him. Still, the kingdom was despicably prosperous and powerful at that time, and there was not much for the sovereign to do. So he began to retreat into his experiments once again.  Then came Morgause - gold-digger, seductress, and liar. And more importantly, she was good at what she did. Always game to a challenge, Edward took an interest in the orphaned wench, and even made her a palace consort. After sometime with her, though, Edward noticed how quickly she recovered from her wounds. He secretly obtained a sample of her blood, and was astonished at what he found. Not only was she even more than he thought she was, but he had also found the key to his formula. Realizing that he needed a supply of this blood, he went along with her scheme to force him to marry her, and found that the perils of married life far outshone the easy thrills of bachelorhood. Currently, his pursuits focus on trying to find ways through 'Shadow', as his wife calls it. He has learned to use the Amberite's trumps despite her best efforts, and talks from time to time with those out of favor or out of circulation. His creations are beginning to wander out from their native plane, although neither he nor they have control over their destinations. Up until now, he has mostly stayed in Erebus while his wife wandered Shadow and Amber - more due to lack of ability than any domestic instinct. With this power in his grasp, he might become more interested in Amber's games.