#starwhispers

In Māori culture, practitioners of sorcery and witchcraft are often referred to as makutu. This term encompasses a wide range of spiritual practices—curses, spells, and rituals—capable of being used for both benevolent and malevolent purposes. Rooted deeply in the Māori worldview, makutu draws on the influence of spiritual forces known as atua, who serve as bridges between mortals, ancestors, and deities.

For Herschel, this connection runs even deeper. I always planned for him to have a second form—something akin to Bruce Banner and the Hulk, or June Moone and the Enchantress. Lore-wise, after the devastating loss of his wife and child at the hands of Blackheart and Mephisto, Herschel sought the strength to face such demons. Desperate and resolute, he made a pact with Whiro, the Māori atua of darkness, evil, and death.

Whiro respected Herschel’s conviction—the sheer will to stain his path with blood in the pursuit of vengeance. The god answered. He drained the blood from Herschel’s body, replacing it with his own essence. The transformation was agonizing, but it forged Herschel into an incredibly powerful warlock. Yet this gift came with a price: Whiro’s influence lingered, granting him a measure of control over Herschel’s body whenever the darkness rose to the surface.

I was very much inspired by Kiana Khansmith, Pretty Pretty Please I Don't Want to be a Magical Girl, Necroko from Extreme Venomverse #4, and Magik, lol.

Yvette Rosewell was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attends Johns Hopkins University as a forensic science student. Outside her studies, she's an avid cosplayer and fashion designer, creating and selling beautiful clothing and accessories to help pay her way through school.

Her life changes forever when Veloria, the goddess of Love and Compassion, chooses Yvette to become her Herald—a champion tasked with spreading love, compassion, and recognition of the goddess across the world. Though reluctant at first, Yvette agrees and accepts this divine calling.

Now she stands as the Guardian of Hearts. The Protector of Love and Compassion. KUPID, the Herald of Love!