# Paintman
> This face used to be proper. Clean. Stylish. Almost too handsome to believe. > > Unfortunate. But that's the price you pay to keep a decent job. *-- Paintman, pointing at himself* As a corrupt detective under the employ of an eldritch mob boss known only as 'Mr. Big', Paintman was assigned to the rather large supernatural tangle that is the Bifrost Terminal. With little true choice in the matter, being locked within the terminal becomes not a need to escape- rather, it becomes a fear of failing his boss. The mystery is just another job he aims to finish perfectly...even if it's at the sacrifice of his colleagues.
Table of Contents 1. [Backstory](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Personality](#bkmrk-personality) 3. [Abilities](#bkmrk-abilities-1) 4. [Skills & Stats](#bkmrk-strengths) 5. [Usage Notes](#bkmrk--8) 6. [Gallery](#bkmrk-gallery-1) 7. [Author's Notes](#bkmrk-author%27s-notes)
### Backstory --- Much of Paintman's life was typical, even after he became a detective- between police agencies, insurance companies, and the occasional paranoid individual, there was never a shortage of work for inquisitive minds. And while he could have pride in the fact that he could complete any job that came across his desk, things would subtly start to change when cop jobs would involve hunting down artifacts and spying on 'dissidents'. But the pay was good, and Paintman had a reputation to uphold. With his work ethic held to his heart, he kept his head down and the jobs always fulfilled to the letter. He would be rewarded the only way an eldritch cult knew how- blessings from their patron to justify the service they put in. He would be forced into a pool of unending colour, waterboarded on a swirl of otherworldly essence. To this day, that essence hasn't washed off him. His professionalism now firmly fused to his sunk cost fallacy, he remained in the cult's service to the point it would transform into a more organized and legitimate crew. The eight-pronged sight of their boss- only referred to as 'Mr. Big'- would equal the influence of the cult's legal corruption and spread freely. Paintman's reputation would thrive on his impeccable forgeries and his unsettling discipline to maintaining the cult's control...especially once he learned his gift would give him point-to-point sight and touch on anywhere that you could leave an imprint against. With nowhere outside of his reach, work would fall on Paintman onto his plate until he became absolutely sick of more, never unable to give up his professionalism or his position. The brutal work is all that's left for him, and something inside him never let him give up.
##### **Paintman** Face to the Grindstone
![paintman_transparent.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/paintman-transparent.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** 'Paintman' *is* the alias
##### Profile
**Race** Human with some eldritch editing
**Pronouns | Gender | Sex | Sexuality** He/Him | Male | Male | Workaholic
**Age** Early Fourties
**Height | Build** 6'1" | Lanky yet hardy
**Hair | Eye | Skin Color** None/Point-like/Caucasian
**Distinguishing Features** ✦ An endless liquid secretion from his face and palms- plus its sour smell ✦ A raspy voice that seems to emanate from his mouth rather than move with it
**Job/Vocation** Detective, Forger
**Hobbies** ✦ People watching (for work) ✦ Alphabetizing old cases
##### Creator
[Gun-ho Guy](https://archive.thraelosverse.com/books/players-and-player-characters/page/gun-ho-guy)
### Personality --- ##### ✦ On The Surface As an uncanny blend of being both dry and intense, Paintman's world revolves around his work. When on the job (as he is most times) he acts with a single-mindedness that only the certainty of experience can bring. Any breaks or diversions are eventually to funnel back into his ultimate goal, and the ends will always justify the means in his mind. As both in the mob and as an altered freak of nature, he'll deliberately lean into either should he detect even a hint of unease. This tends to be a factor of his career, as whether legal or illegal he's often the most competent in his cult. Human failures are quite possible, but part of his experience is always keeping versatile...doubly so when it seems that your equipment, intel, and very own luck can fail on you without notice. So when another person comes into the picture, he tends to fixate on objectivity and clarity- speaking in short sentences, additional adjectives, and obvious observations. He'd even abhor lying towards him, if only because he's convinced he'll find the truth anyways, and it BETTER be before he needs their cooperation. That said... ##### ✦ Mr. Big's Influence He wouldn't be a crucial member of a functioning eldritch cult without some outside influence in his brain. Mr. Big's influence is amazingly subtle for an otherworldly monstrosity, influencing Paintman and others with connection to him towards the larger goal the cult/mafia is working towards. If you've ever heard of 'The indomitable human spirit', you'll likely have assumed it to be about persistence and success against all odds. Rather than override, Mr. Big simply *redirects* the inner strength of its members, turning Paintman's already strong professionalism into an unstoppable push for a greater goal...all while believing it's what he wants. The reason it's dug so deep into Paintman has been how resigned he already was to the influence. Paintman isn't combative at heart and may genuinely offer aid to colleagues that extend the same courtesy to him, but when the overarching goal comes back to mind, it'll always take precedence over the concerns and well-being of his allies, and maybe even himself.
Likes - Attentiveness - Fine details - Experts at their crafts - Deli-style Reubens - Stretching until you feel a crack
Dislikes - Slackers - White lies - Babysitting - Olives - Long sprints
### Abilities --- #### ✦ Paint Mark *Paintman's bread and butter.* By making a face/hand print onto a surface, Paintman can push his face or arms through a different surface to observe and/or interact with whatever's on the other side. While this ability doesn't seem to have a range limit, he does have to memorize the place he wants to peer into for later, otherwise it won't work. Paintman *is* capable of full-body travel between points, but that requires the time to paint a body-sized entry on a surface. #### ✦ Suitcase of Mundane Horrors *Even a cult has their toys.* Paintman carries along a sizeable steel suitcase filled with useful gear- some supernatural, some not. While there can be some creative liberties for smaller tools or exorcism materials, there are a few specific tools (listed below in the weapons section) that Paintman is aware of having. #### ✦ Convenient Brick *Not a miracle, but we'll make do.* Whether by Mr. Big's influence, a malicious distribution of karma, or any other form of supernatural aid, Paintman seems to find a dripping block of paint nearby. It's still functionally a brick, but it seems to be an rare instance of Paintman not understanding if this comes with his boon or not. They will disappear, disintegrate, or otherwise leave after they find use. #### ✦ Calling the Boss *Delegation is a back-and-forth sometimes.* Through the use of the marked strips of canvas in Paintman's suitcase, he can connect his mind to Mr. Big, whether for guidance, supernatural knowledge, or even bodily control in a difficult situation. Whatever the request, the answer is far beyond normal- but it will leave a toll on the body that ensures requests are made *sparingly.* It should be noted that Mr. Big's connection forces out smaller presences from Paintman's mind, explaining the high magical defense stat. ### Skills & Stats --- Due to his job's nature, a majority of Paintman's skills offer a lot of utility. The combination of being both a detective and forger gives him a keen sense for the subtle, and an ability to weaponize the little pieces of information gleamed. Many a case also came to require more hands-on skills, necessitating a need for lockpicking and burglary know-how. Being on both sides of breaking-and-entering scenarios allows him to mentally recreate scenes with clarity. But of course, his occupation mainly deals in the supernatural- Paintman's experience gives him more comfort in those situations of being completely out of his depth, keeping a dry handle on himself at all times. The many, many spirits he would have dealt with makes him privy to different ways of dealing with spirits...though thanks to the sheer amount of variations in the undead, chances are he's going to have to improvise anyways. You can never seem to prepare for *everything...*
Within the Suitcase: -A wine bottle with cage-like supports (functions as a soul cage, currently empty) -Several Derringers, chambered in .357 rounds -Disposable strips of canvas with Mr. Big's sigil on it- allows for brief telepathic communication with them -A small vial of invisible ink, a nice pen to join it, and enough clean paper for both He also has his dripping block of paint, but it's an occasional summon rather than a suitcase weapon.
#### ✦ General Stats
**✦ Strengths** **✧ Weaknesses**
- Unshakable - A taskmaster - Overtly inquisitive - Punctual - Imposing presence (positive) - Dispassionate - Overworked - Bound by obligation - Uncaring for others - Imposing presence (negative)
**Unshakable/Dispassionate:** While less stoicism than it is pure dryness, Paintman's focus helps him weather all manner of physical and mental duress despite ultimately being human. However, a crucial part of being human also includes being happy or excited for things, neither of which he can really express or relate to in great measure. **Taskmaster/Overworked:** Paintman's experience means he's never one to overlook the fine (and potentially crucial) details, and can execute a number of different steps in a plan quickly and smoothly. Shame that he feels the need to apply that same crucial focus to *everything.* **Overtly Inquisitive/Bound by Obligation:** A detective must be insightful by nature and intellectual by experience- which Paintman can summon at least one half of at any given time. However, Paintman's detective process often involves leveraging his unnerving presence to put people on the defensive against fact they were meant to play dumb with. Switching tactics with his face tends to be hard. **Punctual/Uncaring for Others:** Punctuality is a simple process to Paintman, no matter what it's for. If you declare you'll do something, you better follow up on it. His plan requires a lot of punctuality, but the shifting factors around him need constant restructuring and updating allies- yet that efficiency can easily decide it's better to cut someone loose. **Imposing Presence:** The core of his interrogating method and the bane of all casual conversations. No, he's not in constant pain. Yes, he does know some scriers who can fact check your alibi. No, his presence isn't a message from the mob. Yes, his paint mark has already let him procure evidence locked away. No, his expression is just like that. He's not angry at you. ##### ✦ Psychological Stats ✦
**Charisma****✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧**Kindness****✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Patience****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧**Intelligence****✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧
**Confidence****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧**Perception****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧
**Discipline****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧**Psych stamina****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧
**Courage****✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧**Caution****✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧
**Honesty****✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧**Loyalty****✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧
**Maturity****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧**Creativity****✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Cleanliness****✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧**Work ethic****✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**
##### ✧ Physical Stats ✧
**Physical Strength**
**✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Speed**
**✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Magical Strength**
**✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
**Constitution**
**✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧
**Physical Defense**
**✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧
**Dexterity**
**✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧✧
**Magical Defense**
**✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦**✧
**Stamina**
**✦✦✦**✧✧✧✧✧✧✧
### Usage Notes --- Appearances are allowed and encouraged, and I'd love to give input in those cases. Mentions would be appreciated. Heavier/brutal content directed at him is allowed with permission. The man's kind of made for it. ### Gallery --- ![paintman.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/paintman.png) Paintman's Full Reference
![democt_symbol_VECTOR_smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-smaller.png)![democt_symbol_VECTOR_smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-smaller.png)![democt_symbol_VECTOR_smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-smaller.png)
### Author's Notes --- ✦ Mr. Big's sigil is an eye-like oval with 8 sharp points facing inwards.