Black Owl
The Black Owl, also known as the Skinny Man, is a Death imprisoned at the edges of the Dreamlands, somewhere along the border of Leng. In the scholarly world, he is also thought to be the black owl referenced in The Owls of Dylath-Leen.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Scholars who write of the Black Owl often critique his classification as a Death, as the servants of Pharasma are presumably always female. Still, the Black Owl identifies as a man, and is generally annoyed by "silly questions" when asked about his gender. He often shows himself as an athletic, white-skinned male, dressed in a variety of black or brown suits.
Identifying Characteristics
The Black Owl is often depicted wearing a painful cage around his head, hiding any identifying facial features, which manacles attached to his wrists and ankles. He is always sitting on a throne with a broken mirror at his back, which most experts believe is another form of imprisonment crafted by Pharasma. Some scholars also show the Death surrounded by a halo of floating eyes, or with powerful shades hovering over his shoulder, although it is unclear whether or not the Black Owl controls them, or if they are another piece of his elaborate prison.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Although texts about the Black Owl are fairly esoteric, they describe a knowledge-hungry individual, obsessed by magic - particularly the kind that stave off death, and rituals designed to restore the Tethers of mortals. It is unclear why a Death would want such information, but it seems his quest eventually brought him afoul of Pharasma, who took his Scythe and hurled him into the depths. While this has severely limited the Black Owl's ability to move about, he is rarely seen in the dreams (or nightmares) of mortals, and enjoys meddling with their minds.
Most texts about the Black Owl predate the Gap, implying that he is at least 3,000 years old, but likely far older.
Education
Given his legendary thirst for knowledge, the Black Owl is an extremely well-educated individual, and can recite the content of common texts word-by-word. While he has respect for Technomancy and the other futuristic disciplines of mortals, he remains an old soul, and thus prefers arcane magic. It is rumored that he knows many spells that mortals have forgotten, such as those coveted by the houses of Absalom Station.
Morality & Philosophy
The Black Owl seems to care very little about ethics. If an action leads to new information he will take it, regardless of its cruelty. As mortals are typically unwilling to reveal their secrets, this usually leads to less-than-desirable interactions with the creature, resulting in terrifying nightmares that scar the recipients for years. His philosophy is that information is meant to be shared, but only for knowledge of an equal price. Mages who seek out the Black Owl usually spend months in preparation of their summons, looking for obscure texts and other unknown lore that may please him.
Character Art by NIRA
Species
Currently Held Titles
Birthplace
First World
Children
Current Residence
Gender
Male
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