Profile
Macha Arashi
NameHuman
RaceLate-20s
AgeRogue
ClassFemale
GenderAdventurer
Occupation"Once you cross into Alchemy's Maw, you're a goner!"
There's a certain stigma surrounding those who enter the labyrinth beneath the kingdom. They're written off as either lunatics, recluses, or follies. It's a known fact among civilians to never get tied up in alchemy. But there are many reasons as to why someone would dare to endure this cursed power.
Macha is one of many adventurers who lose themself to Ouroboros Nigredo. She entered the depths so long ago, but her sheer determination to obtain Rubedo's Talisman is enough to keep her going. It doesn't matter how much she needs to face defeat; she will be the one to reach it first!
Macha Arashi is a rather aloof human, keeping everyone at an arm's length away. She abides by the idea that it's every man for themself in the labyrinth, and turns her nose up at anyone daring to help her. She's seen it all before, after all. People worming their way beyond your walls to take you down from the inside. It's a sickening act, and one she refuses to fall victim to again.
She's quite a remarkable adventurer and is talked about among peers. Even in her best efforts to stay unknown, her determination to reach Rubedo's Talisman is hardly rivaled by most in the labyrinth's depths. It's how she's been able to do this for a few years now without anyone's help. Each defeat is merely a lesson in her own limits and weaknesses. Each victory is proof that she's been taking notes and adjusting accordingly.
Her wit keeps her going and improving. It makes up for her lack of brawn and magical ability, as she focuses on outsmarting her hurdles. It isn't entirely fool-proof, and what she can't outwit, she'll outlive through a sickly, venomous demise.
There's rumors spreading that Macha is the closest to obtaining Rubedo's Talisman. Retired adventurers even make bets on her success. With all this on her shoulders, the unwanted expectation paired with her own, it begs the question of what she intends to do once she succeeds. After all, it's not a matter of if but when.
Physical
Macha focuses more on agility and quick reflexes. The monsters within the labyrinth are unpredictable in strength, so she's learned to rely on dodging as her physical strength alone is no match for most.
Magical
Macha has no capacity for utilizing magic and all spells backfire. When push comes to shove, though, she relies on this backfiring to unleash a powerful attack. This gravely injures her in the process, and is only used before she dies.
Other
Macha's knowledge and usage of tools aids her adventure greatly. She is knowledgable in a decent amount of poitions, is capable of picking locks, and has a few other tricks up her sleeve. Before each attempt, she always stocks her supplies.
Macha knows her way around the labyrinth after being in it for so long. She's able to locate the weak points of the monsters she's faced hundreds of times before, and ensures each kill is swift and merciless. Her daggers have a special chamber inside meant for poison, and when she attacks with them, she's able to inject foes with this. It aids in a quick demise as well as gives opponents a major weakness as their health and stamina are sapped.
The downside to all of this is that Macha struggles to feel the power of the labyrinth's magic due to her weakened mana. She's unable to get over this, and as such, even the most simple of magic spells are an impossible feat for her. She's learned how to weaponize a spell's backfire, though doing so is to end a run early. Her pride gets the better of her sometimes, and it's a way she often goes out due to not wanting to lose to someone still standing.
In the context of Alchemy's Maw's gameplay, Macha is meant to be a short-ranged assassin, being able to strike weak points and utilize her poisonous daggers with little trouble. She's terrible in longer ranged combat or in tests of endurance, so the buffs she's meant to obtain aid her longevity by increasing her power. The best defense is a good offense, after all!
- Macha's right eye is missing. The eyelid is closed and the scar running across her face goes through it.
- Her hairstyle usually hides this side of her face anyway, so many don't realize she's actually missing an eye.
- Her bag on her left hip attaches to her belt.
- The mask covering the lower half of her face is part of her undershirt. She can lower the mask if desired.
- Her cloak doesn't go past her rib cage in length and is purely optional.
- Macha has an aquiline nose.
- Her ears do not show with how her hair is stylized.
"A brilliant mind behind the heart of a fool is quite a spectacle. She should put more thought in her actions, not her toys."
Macha finds Kezo's optimistic personality to be annoying. It leads her to question how genuine the artificer is. As such, she's already anticipating the dwarf's betrayal in one form or another.
Though as Macha holds this expectation for most people, it doesn't hamper her relationship to her too much. The only concern is Kezo's status as a noble. The plain as day fact has her questioning if the labyrinth is the only way to get what she wants.
"Radu is too kind for her own good. She seems to have a spine somewhere in her body, but I doubt the stability when she is so eager to please."
Macha almost feels sympathy for Irit and her goal. However, she refuses to let herself be weakened by concern for another when they're after the same thing she is. Allowing herself to think too deeply on it may lead to some unwanted consequences.
The Talisman aside, she finds Irit's knack for magic to be a useful tool and something of envy. Though even she can tell that the elf is a bit tired of healing her from her own reckless mistakes.
acerbic
The first person Macha met in the labyrinth was Acerbic. She isn't sure what to make of her other than finding her annoying.
kasun
The wares Kasun provides are invaluable to Macha. Out of everyone in the labyrinth, she considers this merchant trustworthy.
???
The assailant of Macha's past that gave her the nasty scar across her face is the reason she's in the labyrinth.
- Macha lacks any depth perception, which is why she never considered investing in throwing daggers or bows.
- She has a specific way of speaking: no contractions, eloquent wording, and refers to others exlcusively by last name (if she knows it).
- As she's used to being alone, Macha has a bit of anxiety around people. Her nervousness isn't easily noticed due to how abrasive she is, but she keeps her posture more closed off in the presence of others.
- Unfortunately for everyone, Macha has been and (presumably) always will be my favorite character in Alchemy's Maw. I try not to play favorites too much when developing and drawing my guys, but it's been tough.
Mystery
Due to how she dresses, speaks, and acts, Macha generates a lot of intrigue about herself as some enigmatic figure. This is all completely unintentional, however: she hides her face out of comfort and keeps to herself as she doesn't want to get close to others.
