Essek Thelyss is a demisexual gay character from Critical Role.
Biography[]
Essek is a member of Den Thelyss, one of the three main Dens of Rosohna.[1] His mother, Deirta Thelyss is the Umavi, a powerful religious leader in the Luxon religion.[2] Despite his young age, holds the title of Shadowhand, a mysterious position of significant power in the Kryn government. As the Shadowhand, he was a specialist in "the dangerous unknown", and was responsible for some level of subterfuge and arcane development.[3]
Essek is also a high level wizard specializing in Dunamancy. While his exact level is unknown, he is capable of casting several very high level spells, and has created several spells of his own.
Appearance[]
Essek is a very attractive male drow who holds his head high and is often seen with a small, polite smile.[1] He has short white hair that come up to a half curved coif to one side. He wears an ornate silver mantle and deep purple and black robes that almost entirely obscure his body. Under the mantle, he wears comfortable, sleek, well-trimmed Xhorhasian-styled clothing.
Essek moves in a unique way, described as gliding or drifting. His cloak falls to the floor, obscuring his feet. Although in the Mighty Nein's initial meeting with him, they heard and saw his footfalls as he moved, later Jester peeked below his cloak and saw his feet weren't touching the ground.[4] At Matthew Mercer's Stockholm Comic Con panel[5], he clarified that Essek can walk; he simply chooses not to. Later, the party learned that Essek floats because when he was young, he used it as a means of impressing people and now it has become expected of him.[2]
In Disguise[]
When in disguise as Dezran Thain, Essek takes on the illusion of a young, pale-skinned elf with short dirty blonde hair coming to a point at the front. His illusory robes are silver and teal.[6]
Personality[]
When the Nein first meet Essek, he is charming but aloof. He does not prefer to interact with strangers or give information away, but he is polite and courteous. He shows a hint of arrogance in his abilities, implying that he could take on the entire Mighty Nein if they were to try to kill him. He later admits to the Nein that he does not trust many people, and feels like he doesn't belong, thus is often alone.[2]
As the Nein slowly work Essek out of his shell, he becomes more relaxed around them, revealing a dry sense of humor and no small amount of anxiety. He is still incredibly confident in himself, hardworking, and courteous, but he becomes far more comfortable admitting his hopes and fears.
Sexuality[]
Essek is demisexual and MLM, though he has not been in a relationship for a long time. [7]
Reaction[]
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Relationships[]
Caleb Widogast[]
The relationship between Caleb and Essek started out as one of mutual manipulation as both wizards tried to get information and favors from the other. As a part of this, Essek began to teach Caleb secret Kryn magic called Dunamancy, including teaching him several spells of his own making.[8] During this time, Caleb leaned heavily on his old training to charm Essek, not knowing that he was demisexual. Their relationship slowly changed to a more honest friendship over time, as the Mighty Nein slowly warmed Essek up to them. Caleb and Essek bonded over their shared passion for magic, culminating in Essek helping Caleb to invent Widogast's Transmogrification.
Their relationship became complicated after Caleb discovered that Essek was the traitor they had been searching for, having given the beacons to the Cerberus Assembly long before meeting the Nein[6]. Despite feeling betrayed by the revelation, Caleb offered a potential avenue for forgiveness, and urged Essek to do better in the future and to make amends for his crimes. Later, when reunited at the Vurmas Outpost, Essek showed that he had taken Caleb's words to heart and greatly regretted his previous actions.
During their time in Aeor, Caleb and Essek began to bond once more. They had a private moment to discuss the sins of their past, as well as their plans for the future. They worked together to utilize experimental magic to allow the Nein to rest, during which Essek demonstrated great trust in Caleb's arcane capabilities. Once the threat was dealt with and Essek prepared to leave to return to his post, Caleb kissed him on the cheek and told him to "not be a stranger". The two later returned to Aeor, eventually destroying the T-Dock once admitting that the currently timeline was more valuable than the potential timeline where their pasts were different.
After Aeor, the two began a romantic relationship. While they eventually separated due to the differences in elven and human lifespans, they remained close friends for the rest of Caleb's life.[9]
Tropes[]
See Also[]
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- ↑ 1.0 1.1 See "In Love and War" (2x57)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 See "Stone to Clay" (2x91)
- ↑ Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) on Twitter: "Shadowhand is a title granted to those who focus on the dark mysteries of Exandria for the Bright Queen. This includes both subterfuge and arcana (like a specialist in the dangerous unknown). Spies, mages, and investigators that reach a certain station can be granted this title."
- ↑ See "Agreements" (2x61)
- ↑ Matt discussed Essek at the Stockhold Comic Con Panel
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 See "The Fancy and the Fooled" (2x97)
- ↑ Matthew Mercer (@matthewmercer) on Twitter: "I personally feel Essek is MLM, though hasn’t been involved with anyone in a loooong time. His guarded persona makes for mistrust, and relationships are a risk not worth taking ...well, until he met this one wizard."
- ↑ See "Domestic Respite" (2x62)
- ↑ See "Fond Farewells" (2x141)