Ceno Tallicum

Born to a poor family in the badlands missing an arm and in perpetually ill health, Ceno always felt a bit doomed. That was, until, she was happened upon by the cult of the machine. Ceno's life was saved with a breathing aid, and she was even outfitted with a new arm- crude, but inspiring. Since then she's been an avid believer in the Machine, spreading its influence through mutual aid amongst other societies, and occasionally sacrificing limbs to appease her Lord. Her work led her to join the paragons; who she travels with now, trying to aid the small dying factions surrounding them. 

Ceno is, at heart, a kind and generous person. However, this is buried behind several layers of social anxiety, religious zealotry, and general creepiness. To most, she is a terrifying sight, and her anti-social disposition and fondness for limb removal does nothing to help this. She is very masochistic and obsessive, but also selfless, intelligent, strong, and fiercely loyal. She has very few friends but would die for each of them. 

She despises the weakness of her own flesh; plagued by trans-humanist dysphoria. She is usually quite brave but paralyzingly terrified of rot, decay, and disease; furthering her desire for modifications. She aspires to the strength and purity of the blessed machine (essentially an omnissiah reskin), and believes it is the key to life unending. She does not force her beliefs onto others but desperately wishes her comrades would join her in this pursuit, out of genuine concern for their well being. 

“I WANTED TO BE LOVED SO DESPERATELY THAT MY FINGERS SHOOK WITH IT; I AM NOT BEAUTIFUL BUT I COULD BE”

— Emily Palermo, What I Could Never Confess Without Some Bravado