#task.oblitus

BASIC INFORMATION

NAME: Ellington "El" Taylor GENDER: Non-binary (they/them) NICKNAMES: El BIRTHDAY: April 23, 1991 AGE: 33 ASTROLOGY: Taurus Sun, Taurus Moon, Cancer Rising SEXUALITY: Lesbian HOMETOWN: London, England BIRTHPLACE: London, England RELIGION: Agnostic EDUCATION: Master of Engineering (MEng) in Aerospace Engineering from Imperial College London RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

HEIGHT: 5'8' EYES: Green HAIR: Brown BUILD: Slim DISTINGUISHING MARKS: Large back tattoo of an airplane

PERSONALITY & BEHAVIOR

HOBBIES: Model Plane Building, Stargazing, Gardening, Cooking/Baking, Vinyl Record Collecting, Photography LIKES: Routine, Neatness, Reading, Meaningful Conversations DISLIKES: Rashness, Superficiality, Crowds, Loud Noises. QUIRKS: Fidgets, Slightly Mismatched clothing, Ritualistic morning routine, Collects small objects. STRENGTHS: Patient, reliable, empathetic, determined WEAKNESSES: Stubborn, overly-cautious, emotional absorption.

BACKSTORY:

you can find the full story here.

BACKSTORY BULLET POINTS ( tw: addiction. overdose. death. )

Family: Youngest of three; parents instilled a love for precision (mother was a nurse, father an engineer). Childhood: Quiet, introverted, obsessed with model planes; early fascination with aircraft due to father’s influence; El's mother hurts her back lifting a patient and begins on a tumultuous path with prescription pain killers. Teen Years: Developed a passion for aviation; earned a private pilot's license at 18; inspired by father's military stories to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). Tragedy: Just before leaving for basic training for the RAF, El's mother overdoses on heroin. Military Career: Served as an aircraft technician in the RAF, excelling in aircraft quality assurance; served for five years. Education: Left the RAF and earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Aerospace Engineering from Imperial College London in 2019. Post-Military: Worked as a global aerospace quality assurance engineer, conducting aircraft inspections. Personal Life: Had a serious relationship with Maude, a fellow servicewoman, but they broke up due to emotional differences. Trapped: On their way back from a work trip in 2023, encountered the mysterious tree in the road and became trapped in a strange town with no way out. Life in Town: Struggles with anxiety and the loss of routine but uses their problem-solving skills and military training to contribute to the community.

WHERE WAS YOUR CHARACTER WHEN THEY SAW THE TREE AND THE MURDER OF CROWS? WHERE WERE THEY GOING? WERE THEY TRAVELLING ALONE? HOW DID THEY FEEL?

As El returned from a work trip, their mind was still filled with thoughts of quality checks on the latest aircraft. The long day at the facility had drained them, yet the routine of their job had provided a comforting structure amid the chaos of the town they found themselves in. The evening air was cool as they drove, the familiar route easing their mind, but the calm was shattered when they encountered a massive fallen tree blocking the road. “Of course there’s a tree in the road,” El muttered, rubbing the back of their neck as they slowed the car. The sight felt surreal—like something out of a horror film rather than the mundane reality they had come to accept. The tree lay sprawled across the asphalt, roots exposed like the twisted fingers of a buried hand clawing for freedom. They parked a few feet away and stepped out, heart racing as the cawing of a murder of crows echoed ominously overhead. “What now?” El sighed, running a hand through their brown hair. The tree, large and menacing, seemed to loom over them, its presence a stark reminder that this town was anything but ordinary. El's analytical mind, trained to assess and diagnose issues in aircraft systems, began to work overtime. “This must have fallen recently,” they thought, observing the fresh splintering at the base and the disturbed ground. Their engineer instincts kicked in, but an unsettling feeling prickled at their skin. The air felt heavy, as if the tree had absorbed the darkness of the night. Stepping closer, El felt a wave of anxiety wash over them. The crows’ caws intensified, and they glanced up, trying to read the sky for answers. “It’s just a tree, right?” they reasoned, but something in their gut whispered otherwise. They took a deep breath, trying to shake off the discomfort that had settled in. “Just get past it, El,” they urged themselves, but the sight of the tree held them captive. The serene world of aircraft engineering felt a million miles away. “What if this is a sign?” El took a step back, the urge to turn around growing stronger. Their practical nature battled with an emotional intuition that had been sharpened by their experiences in this strange place. “No need to tempt fate,” they decided, finally pivoting on their heel, ready to find another route.

DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTERS FIRST DAY/NIGHT IN TOWN. DID THEY ARRIVE IN THE DAYTIME? WERE THEY WARNED BY THE RESIDENTS? DID THEY HAVE TO BE RESTRAINED?

El's first day in town was a slow descent into confusion and dread. After arriving in the late afternoon, they felt an uneasy air of anticipation wrapping around them. The sun hung low, casting an orange hue over the streets, but as they drove through, an unsettling realization struck: every turn led them back to the same spot. It was as if the town itself conspired against them, trapping them within its confines. After several frustrating attempts to leave, El began to feel the weight of impending nightfall pressing down on them. Just as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, they spotted a townsfolk wandering by—a woman with wide eyes, her demeanor frantic and wild. Desperation surged through El as they pulled over, stepping out of the car and rushing toward her. “Please, can you help me? I can’t leave!” they exclaimed, shaking her shoulders gently. “What is happening here? Why can’t I get out?” The woman’s eyes widened in alarm, and she took a step back, her hands trembling. “You have to stay away from the trees and—” she started, but El’s mind raced, logic slipping away as panic gripped their chest. In an instant, the serene engineer was replaced by a whirlwind of anxiety. “No! This doesn’t make sense!” El gasped, their breath coming in quick bursts. The world around them began to spin, shadows stretching and creeping closer, and they could feel the pressure building in their chest as the realization of their captivity hit home. “Breathe, El! Just breathe!” they muttered to themselves, trying to cling to the remnants of their calm nature, but it felt futile. The anxiety attack washed over them like a tidal wave, and they stumbled back, disoriented and gasping for air. Within moments, the townspeople had gathered, understanding the urgency of the situation. They moved in, gentle but firm, restraining El as the darkness thickened around them. “You can’t be out here when it’s dark,” one of them said, voice steady, almost soothing amidst the chaos. El's heart raced, and they fought against their hold, a mixture of fear and frustration coursing through them. “I just want to go home!” they cried out, but deep down, they knew that was no longer an option. The sun had set, and with it, the true nature of this place began to reveal itself. As night enveloped the town, El felt the reality of their situation sink in, the comforting familiarity of their engineer’s mind now a distant memory.

WHAT DID THEY LEAVE BEHIND? WHAT WAS THEIR LIFE LIKE ON THE OUTSIDE?

Before El found themselves trapped in the mysterious town, their life outside was one of structured routine and quiet heartache. As an aerospace engineer, El thrived in their work, meticulously overseeing quality checks on aircraft and collaborating with a dedicated team. Their days were filled with problem-solving and innovation, but the weight of a recent breakup lingered heavily on their shoulders. El's life was centered in London, where they lived in a cozy apartment adorned with model planes, vinyl records, and a small herb garden that they tended to with care. Although they cherished the serene evenings spent stargazing from their balcony, contemplating the vastness of the universe, the shadows of their past relationship cast a long pall over their thoughts. El had recently broken up with Lila, an artist whose vibrant spirit had once breathed life into their more structured world. Their relationship had been passionate and creative, but the differences that once attracted them eventually created rifts that were too wide to bridge. Lila’s spontaneity and free-spirited nature often clashed with El’s need for stability and routine, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion. Their last conversation still echoed in El’s mind—an emotional farewell that left them feeling adrift, yearning for the connection they had lost. Now, facing the horrors of their new reality, El felt the ache of what they had left behind—an unfulfilled life, a job they loved, and the memories of laughter and friendship shared with Lila. Those recollections became increasingly distant, tantalizing yet painfully unreachable, as they grappled with the chilling thought of whether they would ever return to that life or if they were destined to remain in this endless nightmare, haunted by both the town and the echoes of a lost love.

CONNECTIONS IDEAS

Mentor-Like Figure: El has bonded with an older resident who has been stuck in the town for much longer. This person could serve as a mentor, helping El navigate the strange rules and creatures that roam at night. Close Confidants: After two years, El has found people they trust deeply and they all rely on each other for survival. A Rivalry Turned Alliance: This is another resident who challenges El’s way of thinking, maybe someone more impulsive or emotionally driven. They clash over how to handle their entrapment, but after a crisis (like a close encounter with the night creatures), they realize that working together is the only way forward. Unspoken Romantic Tension: El develops a complex connection with someone in town who reminds them of what it is like caring for someone else romantically, sparking a mix of nostalgia and hesitation. Their connection could be subtle and unspoken for a long time, with moments of vulnerability and near-confession. The town’s dangerous environment could keep them from pursuing anything deeper out of fear of attachment and loss. Sibling Dynamic: El has taken a protective role over someone younger, perhaps a teenager or a young adult who stumbled into the town recently. This person could look up to El, relying on their patience and problem-solving abilities. Resource Exchange: El has a transactional relationship with another resident (neighbor?), where they trade resources, skills, or information. This person might be particularly good at scavenging or making life in the town bearable, while El offers practical engineering skills, such as maintaining equipment or building makeshift defenses against the night creatures. Newcomers: After being trapped for two years, El encounters a new arrival who refuses to accept the reality of the town, mirroring El's own initial reaction. The newcomer’s optimism might trigger memories of when El still believed in escape, creating a bittersweet dynamic.

-what is their biggest regret since arriving in town? 

That he hasn't found a way to avenge his brother and get rid of the creatures. At least then being trapped wouldn't be a living hell. At least then he'd feel more useful as a sheriff.

At least then he could focus on finding a way back to his parents and tell them what happened to Carlos and give them all closure.

- describe your character’s first day/night in town?

He and Carlos arrived in the early hours of the morning, two hours before sunrise. They'd gotten ambushed by the creatures and the only reason Lucas is alive is because Carlos sacrificed himself while Lucas tried to find them shelter.

After the shock wore off, he was taken to the Township Hall by the kind people that gave him shelter.

He asked so many questions, the answers to a lot of them being "We don't know." That frustrates him even more than he was. If his mama hadn't raised him to think and care about the community, he'd have become a hermit. But that wouldn't help anyone. That wouldn't get him his chance to avenge Carlos.

So he takes a residential home and offers to do any and every job that just needs help getting done.

Basic Information

NAME: Lucas de Azevedo Miranda

BIRTHDAY: October 18

AGE: 30

HOMETOWN: Los Angeles, CA

BIRTHPLACE: Los Angeles, CA

ORIENTATION: gay

NICKNAMES: Lu, Luc

Family

MOTHER: Maria Azevedo

FATHER: Andre Miranda

SIBLINGS: Carlos de Azevedo Miranda (deceased)

Appearance

HEIGHT: 6'

EYES: Brown

HAIR: Dark Brown

BUILD: Muscular

RACE/ETHNICITY: Brazilian Latine

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: a birthmark on his right hip shaped like a 6 pointed star

Personality & Behavior

HOBBIES: hunting, dancing, reading

LIKES: nature, sci-fi books, community building

DISLIKES: hospitals, beer, wolves

QUIRKS: organizes things by color and uses color coordination for work

STRENGTHS: leadership, investigation, comforting

WEAKNESSES: letting go of grudges

Biography

(cw: cancer, sibling death)

Lucas was born a mama's boy and was always proud about it. His mom, Maria, instilled so many of his loves the things he cherishes, especially being part of and giving back to his community.

That's not to say his father, Andre, didn't have influence on his life. He also shows the importance of helping his community but also taking time for family. He takes Lucas and his little brother Carlos on hunting trips and share the importance of nature.

Andre developed lung cancer and was in and out of the hospital through out Lucas's life, which made Lucas hate hospitals.

In fact, the reason Andre wasn't on the hunting trip with Lucas and Carlos when they found the tree was because he was in the hospital but insisted they go without him.

When they arrived in Oblitus was the worse night of Lucas's life.

He lost his family in many ways. Cut off from his parents, and watching his brother day, giving him a chance to escape.

Lucas had been working toward being a sheriff so after doing his dues for the first year in Oblitus, he quickly worked his way to sheriff rank. And now 7 years after first coming to town, he's still no closer to getting rid of the monsters or finding a way out. He doesn't even know if his dad is still alive. He doesn't know if his mother survived losing her sons.

He will find his answers.

- how did they find the tree that led them here? what were they doing?

Adrien had been on a camping trip with his aunt, uncle, and cousins, something he really didn't like doing. He'd fallen behind a lot so he didn't see anyone he was with.

He came on the tree and was confused because he'd been on this trail a dozen times before and never came across this. Even a cursory glance showed him that this tree had been like that for years.

Then he saw the murder of crows and tried to get away following a different trail.

- describe your character’s first day/night in town? 

At first, Adrien was just relieved to be among people. Maybe they would shelter him until he could get in contact with his uncle. But then the people explain where he is and a strange mix of fear and excitement settles over him. It's not that he hated living with his uncle and cousins. He just felt there wasn't room for him.

He was led to the Township Hall. Everyone seemed caring and Adrien was eager to stay safe. A place he could step away from family and still lead a simple life? Sounds more like paradise than purgatory.

He gets set up in the colony house and offers to do mechanical work since that's one set of skills he'd thank his family for.

He spent the rest of the day meeting as many people as he could and went to bed, maybe not happily, but better than he had in a long time. He slept through the night, unaware of the danger that lurked outside which (who knows?) might be even more dangerous.

Basic Information

NAME: Adrien Ritchie

BIRTHDAY: July 23

AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: Kanab, Utah

BIRTHPLACE: Boise, Idaho

ORIENTATION: gay

Appearance

HEIGHT: 5' 10"

EYES: Brown

HAIR: Brunette

BUILD: average muscular

RACE/ETHNICITY: white

DISTINGUISHING MARKS: calloused hands, random scars from farm work

Personality & Behavior

HOBBIES: Party dancing (not very good at it), mechanics and engineering, soccer

LIKES: pop, classical, and country music, classic trucks

DISLIKES: metal music, rude people, camping

QUIRKS: likes to learn how machines work, will hum various parts of songs not always the melody, stares into space and dissociates if not actively conversing or working

STRENGTHS: mechanical work, making friends, cleaning room

WEAKNESSES: taking criticism (constructive or otherwise), reading a room, watching movies

Biography

(cw: parental death)

Adrien was born in Boise, ID and is an only child. When he was 10 his parents died in an accident and he was sent to live with his aunt, uncle, and 3 cousins in Kanab, UT. While they took him in with love, there was never a real strong connection between him and them. He did his chores in the house and on the farm, went to school, participated in family gatherings. He was a happy child and on the surface, it seemed like everything was great, and while he made many friends, he rarely made significant relationships, scared that they'll be taken away without warning just like his parents.

The one meaningful connecting he made with his uncle is honing his mechanical skills. Adrien's dad had started teaching him having noticed he liked taking things apart to figure them out. His uncle helped him continue to learn those skills. His uncle though was never good with talking so that connection could only go so far.

Scared to lose the tenuous relationships he had, after he graduated, he stayed there, continuing his life. He didn't do a lot of things for himself except in his room: listening to music, taking apart broken machines to see if he could fix them. He'd go out with friends if they were in town and invited him but his social life wasn't full or fulfilling.

The camping trip that brought him to Oblitus was an unwanted family activity, but he did it because the alternative was hurt his relationship with said family. They did the same hike and camping trip every year so Adrien was very familiar with the trail and wasn't scared when he fell behind. He'd don't that before and his family wouldn't worry.

But then he came upon the fallen and was pulled out of his wandering thoughts and put on edge. This was wrong.

After he settles in town he finds that many people's stories of how they came to Oblitus are similar to his: the tree, the crows, the trail.

For the first time in his life, he feels like he might have a chance to make genuine strong connections. If he does his part and help everyone around him, he can lessen the chance of ever losing the people around him. Right?