Ebenholz

Ebenholz, also known by his true name, Franz von Urtica, is a character of deep complexity, shaped by both personal tragedy and a mysterious, cursed inheritance. As a Caprinae from Leithanien, his demeanor reflects his aristocratic upbringing: polite, reserved, and distant. At first glance, Ebenholz presents himself as a quiet, well-mannered young man. His responses are formal, curt, and seem to push others away, especially when they attempt to engage him beyond simple conversation. It’s not that he’s unfriendly—he’s just intensely private and perhaps even haunted by his past.

He stands apart from many other operators at Rhodes Island, not just due to his noble lineage, but also because of the invisible weight he carries from his time in Urtica. The people around him only see the surface—a musically talented, intelligent, but withdrawn young man. Yet, there are layers beneath this façade. His sharp mind, refined through rigorous education in Originium Arts and music, is always at work, but often accompanied by a sense of gloom. Even when talking about himself, Ebenholz exudes a melancholic tone, one that hints at sorrowful memories and unspoken burdens.

This sorrow often finds its expression through music. Ebenholz is frequently seen playing various instruments, particularly the cello. His playing is described as hauntingly beautiful, a reflection of the turmoil and loss he has experienced. The melodies he produces on the cello are so sorrowful that they remind those who hear them of past events, of moments lost in time. While he is rumored to be skilled with other instruments, such as the flute, he has never been seen playing one, adding to the air of mystery surrounding him.

Despite what Leithanien’s official records may state, Ebenholz’s past is far from ordinary. Far from a commoner, he was born into the title of Graf Urtica, a noble family linked to the infamous Witch King. His childhood was marked by the loss of his parents, victims of the political upheaval following the downfall of the Witch King’s regime. The tragic history of his family and their connection to the Witch King made Ebenholz a target of both scorn and manipulation. The secret of his lineage, hidden from many, casts a long shadow over his life.

What weighs most heavily on Ebenholz, however, is not just the loss of his parents or his noble heritage, but the terrifying legacy of the Voice of Terra. Forced into his mind by remnants of the Witch King’s followers, the Voice of Terra is a powerful and dangerous melody that haunts him. It manifests as severe headaches and fills his mind with music and knowledge far beyond what he should possess. Despite the Medical Department’s attempts, the exact nature of the Voice of Terra remains a mystery. Ebenholz’s own fear of losing himself to this melody is ever-present, though he often hides it behind sarcasm and grim acceptance.

The Voice of Terra is not just a metaphorical threat. Ebenholz knows all too well what it can do, having witnessed its destructive power. He remains cautious, doing everything in his power to prevent it from overwhelming him. Yet, despite this internal battle, Ebenholz’s presence at Rhodes Island has evolved. Initially distant and isolated, he has slowly started to open up, particularly after his success in rescuing children from a corrupt orphanage. This mission marked a turning point in his demeanor, leading him to interact more with others, even joining a book club and exchanging thoughts with fellow operators.

Nevertheless, Ebenholz’s relationship with those around him remains selective. He shares his thoughts and opinions freely with only a few individuals, most notably the Doctor, who seems to have a unique ability to connect with him. In these rare moments, Ebenholz reveals a side of himself that few ever see—a more candid, yet still somber, individual who grapples with the weight of his past, his identity, and the burden of the Voice of Terra.