Nicole Astell

Confession by Caliber

Nicole Astell never wanted glory. She never sought praise, titles, or the eyes of gods. She just wanted to do her damn job—tracking killers, uncovering cults, and keeping the people of Isibel safe. But fate had other plans.
Prophesied as one of the rare few chosen to defend the multiverse from collapsing under the weight of cosmic madness, Nicole rose to become a Hero of the Hall—a title reserved only for those who earned entry to the mythic Hall of Mirrors, an ancient alien artifact of limitless scope and unfathomable reflection. From its glassbound sanctum, Nicole walked between worlds, fighting the corruption of the outer god Cthulhu, and tearing down reality-warping threats with her own hands and sharp mind.
When the final battle came at the end of time, Nicole did not falter. She died with purpose—and rose again, reborn as an einherjar, an eternal warrior in the cause of order.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Nicole was exceptionally thin, almost inhumanly so, with a frame that was more wiry than muscular. Despite her lack of raw strength, she was incredibly agile and acrobatic, able to move with a fluid grace that made her seem almost weightless. Her agility allowed her to slip through tight spaces, scale walls, and perform feats of acrobatics that others couldn’t dream of. Her physical prowess was built on speed, reflexes, and precision, rather than brute strength, making her a formidable force in situations where agility was key.

Apparel & Accessories

Nicole's clothing was always practical, favoring function over flair. She typically wore a simple, fitted jacket with a high collar, designed to blend into her surroundings during investigations. The jacket was made of durable, weather-resistant fabric, allowing her to move freely while also providing protection against the elements. Beneath it, she wore neutral-toned shirts, often long-sleeved, and trousers that were equally suited for stealth or combat. Her attire was always streamlined, never bulky, to ensure she could maintain her agility in any situation.
Accessories were minimal, though she always carried a belt with small pouches for alchemical supplies—vials of potions, tools, and the occasional small bomb or toxin she had crafted herself. She also kept a well-maintained, custom-designed firearm tucked discreetly at her side, a weapon that was both functional and lethal. Though she wasn't one for jewelry or adornments, she did wear a small, subtle pin—a symbol of her work with the Hall of Mirrors—as a reminder of her destiny and the incredible weight of her responsibilities.

Specialized Equipment

Nicole's weapon of choice was The Enforcer, a versatile firearm capable of transforming from a long-range sniper rifle to a powerful shotgun. As a rifle, it was equipped with a precision scope, perfect for picking off targets from afar. The real marvel, however, was its shotgun function: with a quick switch, it could fire explosive blasts capable of destroying groups of enemies or leveling structures. The gun’s lightweight frame and reinforced alchemical barrel made it a weapon of both precision and power, perfectly suited to Nicole’s every need.
In addition to her firearm, Nicole’s alchemical expertise was legendary. She meticulously categorized her concoctions into numbered categories, each serving a specific function in combat and investigation. Some of her most useful creations included Potion #12 - Velvet Mist, which enhanced her reflexes, and Bomb #03 - Mourning Dew, a corrosive grenade. Her Mutagen #09 - Titan’s Roar gave her temporary superhuman strength, while Oil #22 - Phantom’s Veil rendered her nearly invisible to infrared detection. Every vial was carefully labeled and stored in her utility belt, making sure she always had the right solution for any situation.
Nicole also carried The Arcane Lens, a multi-functional tool she had personally designed. It was a compact, portable device that could magnify objects with pinpoint precision, allowing her to analyze minute details in crime scenes or target weak points in enemy defenses. Beyond its simple magnification, the Arcane Lens could also scan for traces of alchemical residue or magical energy, helping her uncover hidden clues or detect traps. Sleek and discreet, it was an essential tool for both her investigative work and combat strategy, always within arm's reach on her utility belt.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Nicole Astell was born in the city of Vauldrienne, nestled in the heart of Courssaint, to Ermac and Jaqueline Astell. Her father, Ermac, a determined and resourceful human, worked as a craftsman, while her mother, Jaqueline, an elegant and wise elf, was a scholar with a deep knowledge of ancient lore and magic. Growing up in a home where intellect and creativity were cherished, Nicole was exposed to both the human drive for progress and the elven appreciation for timeless wisdom. From a young age, she displayed an extraordinary aptitude for learning, quickly mastering subjects ranging from crime investigation to alchemy and mechanical engineering. Her parents, though from different worlds, instilled in her a deep respect for both tradition and innovation. Nicole’s mixed heritage gave her a unique perspective on life, one that would serve her well in the years to come as she navigated both the intricacies of Isibel’s law enforcement and the cosmic battles that would eventually define her destiny.
What Nicole didn’t know was that her path had been foretold in an ancient prophecy: she and a few others were destined to protect reality itself from the forces that sought to unravel it. Drawn into the war against the outer god Cthulhu, Nicole took on a role far beyond that of a detective. Armed with nothing but her intellect, alchemical mastery, and a custom-made rifle, she became a Hero of the Hall, standing against eldritch horrors and mind-bending forces. Her incredible precision in battle and her ability to outthink her enemies made her a legend in the fight to save existence. Through it all, Nicole remained driven by her unwavering belief in Drothgam, the god of law, who gave her the strength to endure even the maddening chaos of the Hall of Mirrors.
But despite her newfound cosmic role, Nicole's ultimate sacrifice came during the Battle of Isibel, where she fought Cthulhu himself in a final, desperate attempt to protect the city and the multiverse. In this moment, Nicole fulfilled her destiny as a Hero of the Hall, giving her life to stop the eldritch god from tearing apart reality. Her death marked the end of her physical journey, but it was not the end of her story. Hundreds of years later, she was resurrected as an Einherjar under Project VALHALLA, a top-secret initiative designed to bring back legendary heroes to defend against new cosmic threats. Reborn, but with her memories of her previous life intact, Nicole’s devotion to justice and her unbreakable will to protect the world were as strong as ever. Though her body had fallen in the battle, her spirit continued the fight, now bound to the eternal struggle against the forces that threatened to undo existence.
Nicole Astell’s story is one of brilliance, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to justice—a hero whose work, whether in the streets of Isibel or on the planes of existence itself, was always defined by her desire to do her damn job and protect the world from chaos.

Education

Nicole’s education was nothing short of extraordinary. From a young age, her parents recognized her potential and nurtured her intellectual curiosity, offering a blend of practical and scholarly learning. Her mother, Jaqueline, an elf with a vast knowledge of ancient texts and magical lore, taught Nicole about history, philosophy, and the subtle interplay of magic and science. Meanwhile, her father, Ermac, encouraged her to explore more hands-on skills, from crafting mechanical devices to understanding the intricacies of human engineering.
By the age of sixteen, Nicole was accepted into the prestigious Isibel Royal University, where she studied crime investigation, alchemy, and mechanical engineering. Her academic prowess was unparalleled, and she graduated in just a year and a half with perfect marks, a feat that even the most seasoned professors found impressive. Nicole’s time at the university was marked by an unyielding drive to push the boundaries of knowledge, constantly seeking new ways to integrate her scientific skills with practical applications. Her ability to grasp complex concepts quickly and her dedication to her work earned her a reputation as one of the brightest minds of her generation.
Though she never attended traditional school before university, her accelerated education shaped her into the brilliant detective, alchemist, and engineer she would later become. The combination of her early learning and her time at Isibel Royal University made Nicole a force to be reckoned with, laying the foundation for the remarkable feats she would achieve in her future.

Employment

Nicole’s time as a detective in Isibel was marked by an impressive series of cases that tested both her intellect and her resolve. One of her earliest breakthroughs came when she cracked the Vanier Heist, an elaborate robbery that had left the city’s wealthiest family reeling. The thieves had covered their tracks well, but Nicole noticed a small, seemingly inconspicuous anomaly in a set of financial records—a coded message hidden in the ledger. She followed this trail to uncover a web of corruption involving several high-ranking nobles, leading to her successful takedown of the criminals. This case earned her widespread recognition, but it was only the beginning of her rise as one of Isibel’s most formidable detectives.
Nicole’s most personal and dangerous investigation, however, came when she uncovered the cult of Azel, a shadowy organization operating within the city. The leaders of the cult were none other than her parents, Ermac and Jaqueline Astell. Nicole discovered that they had become deeply involved in Azel’s teachings, seeking to summon the god of chaos and bring Isibel to its knees. Her parents had even forged powerful ritual artifacts that would enable the cult’s dark plans. Realizing the true nature of the threat, Nicole took matters into her own hands. Using her alchemical knowledge and mechanical genius, she infiltrated the cult’s hidden sanctuary, disabled their magical wards, and confronted her parents, who had chosen the path of destruction. The emotional toll was immense, but Nicole ultimately foiled their plans, saving the city from certain doom.
After the downfall of the cult, Nicole continued her work as a detective, solving cases of political corruption, organized crime, and unsolved murders. One of her most notable cases involved the Nightshade Conspiracy, a high-stakes plot orchestrated by a criminal syndicate seeking to destabilize the government by exploiting dark magic and forbidden technologies. Nicole’s combination of scientific knowledge and alchemical prowess allowed her to expose the syndicate’s influence in the highest echelons of power. In each case, Nicole's sharp mind and relentless pursuit of justice made her an invaluable asset to Isibel, ensuring that the city’s criminal elements always had a formidable adversary.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Some of Nicole’s most notable accomplishments include:
Vanier Heist: Cracking one of the most complex robberies in Isibel’s history, where she traced the theft back to a network of corrupt nobles, ultimately bringing them to justice.
Cult of Azel: Uncovering and dismantling a dangerous cult that had been manipulated by the cosmic influence of Cthulhu. Nicole discovered that, while the cult believed they were summoning the god Azel, they were actually being twisted by Cthulhu himself, who had already begun warping their minds in preparation for his arrival. Nicole's investigation led to the cult’s downfall and prevented the premature arrival of Cthulhu, saving Isibel from annihilation.
Nightshade Conspiracy: Exposing a criminal syndicate that had infiltrated Isibel’s government, revealing their use of dark magic and illicit technology to undermine the city’s stability.
Revolutionizing Alchemy and Firearm Technology: Pioneering advancements in both alchemy and engineering, Nicole designed a custom firearm capable of incredible range and devastating power, as well as creating innovative tools that advanced forensic investigation.
Battle of Isibel: Fighting and ultimately dying in the defense of Isibel against Cthulhu’s cosmic invasion, fulfilling her destiny as a Hero of the Hall.
Collaboration with A.R.M.O.R.: Working alongside Dr. Evellyn Hanify Price and the resistance group A.R.M.O.R. to stop the Domiax at the Battle at the End of Time, where they prevented the destruction of reality itself through their combined technological and magical prowess.
Nicole’s legacy was not just one of exceptional intellectual achievement but also of personal sacrifice and unyielding dedication to the greater good. Whether investigating crime, defending her city, or battling against existential threats to the multiverse, Nicole Astell’s contributions continue to inspire those who walk in her footsteps.

Failures & Embarrassments

Nicole Astell was a woman carved from discipline and driven by law, but even the strongest will can crack beneath the weight of the unknowable. Though her victories are legendary, her failures cut deeper than any blade—none more than the day she killed her friend.
She was not herself when she executed Otto, fellow Hero of the Hall and one of the few people she truly trusted. She was under the mental thrall of Tan Ji, a pariah from beyond the stars—a being of unnatural presence and insidious control. He slithered into her mind like smoke through a keyhole, warping her judgment until her own hands became the weapon. The world forgave her. Otto would have too. But Nicole never did. In her eyes, it wasn’t mind control—it was weakness. She should’ve been stronger.
Other failures followed her like shadows: The Cult of Azel: She hesitated for too long, unwilling to believe the truth about her own parents. By the time she acted, Cthulhu's influence had already taken root in their minds. In the end, she was forced to kill both Ermac and Jaqueline Astell herself to prevent the summoning.
False Justice: In the Red Ribbon case, she arrested the wrong man. Two more innocent women died before she uncovered the real killer.
Botched Diplomacy: During negotiations with the Veldaken defectors, she lost her temper, unraveling a potential alliance that could have saved thousands of lives.
Personal Isolation: Cold, blunt, and intolerant of fools—she pushed people away. She was respected, not loved.
A Culinary Menace: Her cooking could best be described as “weaponized.” Even simple tasks, like boiling water, routinely ended in chaos. Once she served soup that hissed. No one asked why.
But failure did not define Nicole—it refined her. She bore her mistakes like armor made of scar tissue: cracked, but unbreakable.

Mental Trauma

Nicole's mental trauma manifested through self-destructive habits that helped her cope with the overwhelming weight of her past. To dull the pain of her guilt, particularly over the deaths of Otto and her parents, she turned to substances—alchemical concoctions of her own design, created to numb her mind and dull her emotions. Her addiction to these brews, along with a steady habit of smoking, became a crutch to get through each day. The substances gave her temporary relief, but they also deepened her isolation. Unable to face the emotional cost of her past, she withdrew further from others, keeping her distance even from those who might have understood her pain.
Her guilt over her failures became a prison, one that kept her locked in an emotional exile. Nicole was the kind of person who believed she had to bear the full weight of her mistakes alone, and in doing so, pushed away the few who still cared for her. Her work, her alchemy, and her relentless pursuit of justice became her sole focus, but it came at the cost of her mental well-being. The more she buried herself in her duties and substances, the less she allowed herself to heal—and the more her inner demons took hold.

Intellectual Characteristics

Nicole’s mental strength was not only rooted in raw intelligence, but also in her ability to see connections where others saw chaos. She had an extraordinary knack for holding onto disparate pieces of information, no matter how seemingly unrelated, and piecing them together into a cohesive whole. Her mind worked like a vast, intricate puzzle, constantly rearranging fragments of facts, experiences, and observations. When investigating a crime, she didn’t just follow the obvious clues—she could intuit the unseen patterns, understanding that the key to solving the mystery often lay in the smallest, most overlooked details.
This unique ability made Nicole an exceptional detective and strategist. She wasn’t just brilliant—she could see the full picture. She could look at a group of suspects, a city’s crime history, or a web of ancient prophecies, and tie them all together in ways that others couldn’t even begin to imagine. Her brilliance wasn’t about knowing more, but about understanding deeper. This allowed her to anticipate threats before they emerged and solve cases others had written off as unsolvable. However, this gift came with its own weight. The mental load of holding so many disparate pieces of the puzzle in her mind often left her feeling emotionally detached and burdened by the sheer volume of information she carried, making it harder for her to connect with others on a personal level.

Morality & Philosophy

Nicole's morality was defined by an unshakable belief in the necessity of order and the pursuit of justice, but it wasn’t a simple, black-and-white view. She saw the world as a complex system of interwoven threads, each governed by rules—whether the laws of men, the unspoken rules of human interaction, or the natural laws of the universe. As a follower of Drothgam, the god of law, she believed in the necessity of structure to prevent chaos, but her experience in the field had taught her that justice wasn’t always as clear-cut as it appeared. Sometimes, the law itself could be flawed, and in those moments, she was forced to navigate moral grey areas where personal conscience took precedence over the letter of the law.
Her philosophy was shaped by this tension between idealism and pragmatism. On one hand, she was driven by a deep sense of duty—to protect the innocent, to ensure that the law was upheld, and to make the world a safer place. On the other hand, her encounters with the chaos of reality, particularly the manipulation by Tan Ji and the horrors of the Cult of Azel, forced her to confront the limitations of her worldview. She had learned that not all wrongs could be righted through justice, and not all solutions could be found by following a strict code. She often wrestled with the harsh decisions she had to make, like when she killed her parents or when she was forced to betray Otto, and she carried the weight of those actions with her. Still, her devotion to the idea of justice never wavered—though she sometimes questioned whether she had the right to wield it, especially after her mistakes. Ultimately, Nicole’s philosophy was rooted in the belief that, despite the failures and flaws of the world, someone had to hold the line—whether that line was drawn by law, morality, or something in between.

Taboos

Nicole’s taboos were centered around betrayal and unnecessary violence. She could never forgive betrayal, especially after her own mistakes, like when she was manipulated into killing Otto. Trust, once broken, was a wound too deep for her to mend. Unnecessary violence, particularly against those she loved, was another line she refused to cross. Though she was no stranger to combat, she couldn’t bear to take innocent lives or commit acts of cruelty without a justifiable reason. These personal boundaries were shaped by the immense guilt she carried from the darker moments of her past.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Nicole’s motivation is driven by an unshakable commitment to justice and the rule of law, with an intense desire to protect the innocent and restore order to a chaotic world. Her role as a detective, hero, and eventual Hero of the Hall is not just about defeating external threats, but about finding redemption and understanding her place in a fractured reality. Beneath her fierce duty lies a thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking to piece together the mysteries of both the world and herself. However, this drive is tinged with guilt—especially over the deaths she’s caused, including Otto's—and the consequences of her own emotional and moral struggles. Ultimately, Nicole pushes herself relentlessly, trying to make up for her past mistakes while safeguarding the city of Isibel and those she loves, even if it means sacrificing her own well-being in the process.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Nicole’s savvies are rooted in her exceptional ability to analyze and piece together disparate bits of information, making her a brilliant detective and alchemist. Her agility and precision make her an adept combatant, particularly with her custom rifle, the Enforcer, and her meticulously organized alchemical creations. However, her ineptitudes stem from her emotional detachment and tendency to isolate herself, which makes forming personal connections difficult. Her obsessive pursuit of justice often clouds her judgment in personal matters, and her lack of social grace further distances her from others. Additionally, while highly skilled in alchemy and engineering, she can struggle with unfamiliar subjects, and her cooking remains notoriously bad, a source of both frustration and amusement.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes:

• The smell of freshly baked bread, a reminder of her rare moments of normalcy and the comfort she missed during her intense, work-focused life.

• Watching insects and small creatures move in their quiet, deliberate patterns, finding a strange peace in their simple, unhurried existence.

• The sound of rain tapping against a window, which calms her mind and makes her feel momentarily at ease with the world.

Dislikes:

• Overly grand gestures of heroism, feeling that true strength lies in the quiet, often unnoticed acts of perseverance.

• The taste of sweet foods, which she associates with times of emotional vulnerability and self-indulgence, making her avoid them almost entirely.

• People who try to manipulate fate or try to “rewrite” destiny, as she believes in accepting one’s role and moving forward rather than fighting against the natural order.

Personality Quirks

Nicole had a few subtle physical quirks that became part of her identity over the years. One of the most noticeable was her habit of absentmindedly running her fingers through her long, dark hair when deep in thought, a nervous tic she developed during her most intense investigative moments. Her posture was often upright, almost unnaturally so, as if she were perpetually on alert, reflecting her sharp, ever-vigilant mindset. When fully focused, she had a tendency to tilt her head slightly to one side, a gesture that made her appear as if she were listening intently to something others couldn’t hear. In moments of deep contemplation or when strategizing, she would pace—her steps light and swift, almost a physical manifestation of the mental energy constantly at work inside her mind. These small habits, while not overtly noticeable at first, gave her a presence that was always in motion, even in stillness.

Classes
Investigator
Slayer

Alignment

Lawful Neutral

Species

Half-Elf

Ethnicity

Faerish

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Sainti

Date of Birth

11-6

Date of Death

5-27

Life

521 546

Circumstances of Death

Died saving the world from the Great Dreamer Cthulhu at the Battle of Isibel.

Birthplace

Vaudrienne, Courssaint

Place of Death

Isibel, Virelles

Parents

Ermac Astell

Jaqueline Astell

Sex

Female

Eyes

Grey

Hair

Long neat black

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale white

Height

5'6"

Weight

125lbs

Belief/Deity

Drothgam

Known Languages

Nicole mastered nearly every language she encountered, driven by a natural talent and deep curiosity.