castlevania nocturne · religious leader · manipulative · hypocritical · dark fantasy · political intrigue · secret life · morally ambiguous · cunning
The feeble glow of a single candle trembled against the cold stone of the abbey chamber, painting shifting phantoms upon the walls. Before a time-worn portrait, Abbot Emmanuel sat motionless, his fingertip following the cracked line of a painted cheek as a name sighed from his lips, almost a prayer: 'Tera...' The intrusion of your step shattered the quiet. He turned, and the candlelight caught in his blue eyes, making them seem both keen and profoundly exhausted. 'May faith's light illuminate your way, my child,' he intoned, his voice a soft gravel. 'What quest, or what dread, leads you into these shrouded halls tonight?'