#exwod

Vincent Banks/King of Serpents Ariel Chasan: Vincent was a mortal cult leader (and pharmacologist) who had three goals in mind -- Awaken as a mage, bring the existence of the supernatural to public awareness, and to be worshiped as the savior of mankind for it. While he made progress on his last few goals, the first eluded him despite the help of Dorian, a mage and his closest friend. In the moment of his deepest despair, a small shred of a dead demon-god, an Infernal Exaltation, offered him power. He accepted, and was reborn as the King of Serpents. With his newfound power, Ariel reveals the existence of the supernatural and conquers much of the US Southwest in the ensuing chaos. His kingdom of Paradise stretches between Southern California to New Mexico, stretching up to encompass the Great Basin and Utah. Black magic was woven to transform it into an idyllic Arcadian landscape, matching the afterlife he rules. In contrast, his personal life is an adulterous mess, between having kidnapped Dorian in a forced marriage, his *wife*, and his endless list of lovers.

Speaking of his lovers--

Reynard Lennox/Vulpin: Vulpin was born in the 1890s to a Japanese mother and an abusive white American father. He was the favorite son of his family until he was outed as gay and forced to go on the run. He settled in Chicago, where he was turned by a Lasombra vampire and after about 20 years he performs a ritual that gains the attention of a mystery cult called the Abyss Mystics and dumped on them at nearest convenience. Vulpin trains under his master for a few decades before they decide that Vulpin is ready to study things on his own. He gets to Arizona by the 2020s, and there he grabs the attention of Vincent in the early days of his cult. Vincent slowly indoctrinates him and uses him as a spy during his rise to power. After Vincent claims his empire, Vulpin is retired and gifted a casino to keep him busy enough to not eat Vincent's other lovers.

Their relationship is deeply tempestuous and shaped by the brainwashing Vincent performed near the start of the relationship. Vulpin, in some ways, is deeply dependent on Vincent for a sense of self and direction. Vincent is unable to see relationships as separate from power dynamics. Vulpin is envious and resentful towards everyone else for taking Vincent's attention. He feels tossed aside and neglected. But there is legitimate love and affection between them, it's just... complicated.