Marionesse

Demon Lord of Manipulation

The Lord of Manipulation, The Puppet Master, Don't Move I Am Not Mine. Created by Dhaos to bring about the end of life itself, Marionesse emerged into the world as one of five demonic lords during the Hollow Wars. They acted as the great puppeteer and primary strategist of this calamity. Civilizations fell beneath their strings, and some would claim that even the Binding was apart of their plans. 

Among its notable creations are The Ringmaster, Xias'ti The Tapestry, Dollface, and The Flautist. 

Marionesse has been kept at bay for four millennia by Lucidity. The two have engaged in a cycle of conflict that was interrupted within the last several decades.

Within the Campaign

Marionesse took on the guise of Rue, an entity that seemingly existed within Scintillating Dream, a sword found and wielded by Loveless. In this form, they initially acted as a benevolent entity, naive due to their lack of memory and understanding of their purpose. They wove a narrative as Rue that implied Loveless to be chosen in some manner, and would lead some to believe that Rue was a celestial being or of similar nature. They encouraged Loveless practice as a shikarist, and reveled in the slaying of demons.

A more sinister nature was revealed over time. Rue began to isolate Loveless from Liutubang until they were her only remaining companion, following her departure from the sect. Here, they continued to encourage her to lean into her own tendencies towards manipulation.

When Vic accidentally spied on a dream with Loveless and Rue, Rue pulled him out of it and gave him a warning to stay away. They punished him severely when he disobeyed and attempted to override the dream with one of his own. The effect was nearly lethal as Rue appeared to attack his very mind and sense of self.

When Liutubang reunited with Loveless and encountered Lucidity, Rue revealed themself to be a powerful demon. They and Lucidity vanished into the Astral Plane, allegedly to prevent significant damage to the Material Plane. Rue reassured Loveless of their affection for her. Later, they appeared to the entire party in a dream, providing a chance to ask questions of them. It was during this dream that they revealed their identity as Marionesse.

Since then, interactions with Rue have been sparing. They have at times reached out and at times responded, offering advice, cryptic replies, and warnings. They intervened indirectly during the attack against Serpent Garden, sending their demons to the defense of Liutubang and the Yu Clan. Recently, Liutubang also discovered their influence in Vic's mind: a small spider and cobweb in the corner of a memory, though its purpose was unknown. 

Notable Relationships

Loveless

Marionesse existed in Loveless' mind and manifested as her sword for the better part of a year. They utilized manipulation tactics against her during this time, steadily isolating her from others while building themself up as a trusted friend. They have been candid with her about their nature since revealing themself. Rue frequently assures her of their unconditional love for her, stating that they have specific wants but will love her regardless of if she fulfills them.

Lucidity

Despite their inherently antagonistic nature, Marionesse appears enamored with Lucidity. They repeat that he was made for them, referring to Lucidity's declared purpose of being the ultimate counter to Marionesse's existence. When asked about the nature of the relationship, Marionesse stated that dating may not be the correct descriptor, though they did not outright refute it. Instead they pondered what label one could put on a relationship in which your only constant companion of four millennia is also your existential enemy.