Description:
Artist’s Description
Time for a bit of character backstory! Orpheus is one character I’ve struggled with on this, but last night I came up with a solid story for him, as well as a bit of a headcanon for the Wraiths I designed a good few years back. Granted their design needs a bit more polishing, but you kinda get the idea of what they look like here.
- Contrary to belief, Orpheus was very calm during the early years of his childhood. He didn’t screech, he never yelled, or disobeyed his parents, Indigo and Constantine. In all senses, Orpheus was showing to be growing into the perfect gentlecolt. His wings were much darker, and he took on a darker pigment of his Mother’s eyes.
Growing up, Orpheus loved reading books, and it wasn’t long before he read about the fierce and frightening creatures said to lurk in Pransylvania. One that perplexed him the most was the Wraith. Their origins were very unclear, and there wasn’t any photographic proof of them, just crude sketches that varied on looks every time. To Orpheus, they just appeared to be what the grown ups used them as; a tall tale to scare little kids into behaving. It was stupid.
- During a night out on the town with the family, Orpheus looked beyond the torch lit pathways and into the darkness of the forest that surrounded the town. He was curious! And like all curious children, he snuck away into the dark of the night to see if these ever so scary Wraiths were real…. Spoiler alert! They are… A Wraith caught sight of the small colt, and saw easy prey. Before Orpheus could scream for help, or even run away, his front legs were held tightly by sharp claws and his soul was soon getting sucked out by the hungry dark creature.
Constantine took notice that Orpheus wandered off, but was terrified to smell his scent leading right towards the forest. He wasn’t too far behind, a torch in his jaws as he ran and heard the cries of the Wraith as it held his only son. Hooves thundering, he waved the torch at the Wraith, the bright light scaring it away as it dropped Orpheus and retreated to the dark. Constantine rushed and checked Orpheus, seeing his legs were injured, his wings were pale and his eyes changed colors. Using his wings to cradle him, Constantine rushed back into town so he and Indigo could find Orpheus medical help.
Seeking out the best doctor, Orpheus’ leg injuries were treated. The fresh wounds showed and odd, almost necrotic look to the veins before they changed back to normal color. His wings were now nearly pure white with a pi-bald appearance, and his eyes showed no sign of changing back. What surprised everyone the most, is that Orpheus didn’t remember the Wraith at all, and seemed more…… boisterous and wild. It was like what he was before was taken away and forgotten in one fell-swoop. Ever since, Orpheus was more energetic, rebellious, and dare some say crazy.
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Okay, so headcanon time! Mainly for the Wraiths, and using Orpheus as a living example to what they do to ponies if they ever catch them.
*Origin: Past the pony-groomed and magically maintained land of Equestria, Pransylvania is more open, where magic and the creatures there run wild and unchecked most of the time. Back in the days of old, after battles were waged and lost, not every soldier was buried and put to rest properly. While their souls were taken, their bodies were left behind with little respect. Over time, the bodies began walking on their own, now ghoulish, souless beasts lurking and wandering to feed on unsuspecting ponies to steal their souls and fill the empty void.
*Characteristics: These creatures have zero humanity left inside their husks of bodies. They do not discriminate between old or young, and will feed on ANYONE they find wandering in their dark shadowed home. While they are already dead, and cannot be killed, they can be scared away, and they flee when brought into the presence of bright light, whether it be fire or a flashlight.
*Affects on Wraith Attack Survivors: If a pony by chance survives being attacked by a Wraith, they will have lost a portion of their soul. And with it, nearly every memory they had up until the point of being attacked. Since they still have their soul, they will retain memories, such as family members, names, etc. Some reminders may be needed, but that can be cared for in recovery.
The fur will have turned white in some places, and the eyes will have changed to an icy blue. Physical injuries inflicted by the Wraith will never heal properly. While the pain will go away, the fur will never grow back.
*Creation of New Wraiths: If a pony does NOT get away from a Wraith in time, their whole body turns white, and they will die. By the next night, if their body isn’t found and put to rest, they become Wraiths themselves and begin searching to feed on souls to fill the void. They will not recognize family members if they are found, and will attack without hesitation.
