The Skullgirl, Marie Korbel

Full Name: Marie Korbel. Aliases: Bloody Marie, The Skullgirl Species: Currently, Skullgirl. Formerly human. Origin: No Man’s Land (former war-torn region outside the Canopy Kingdom) Nationality/Ethnicity: Canopy Kingdom (Rommelgrad family, Warblessed heritage) Age: 18. Height & Build:4'9" Blood Type: SG (formerly O) Birthday: April 3rd Appearance:Marie is a very small, fragile-looking girl with a tragic beauty. In her normal Skullgirl form she has pale gray hair in two thick, sweeping pigtails held by skull-shaped bands. Her skin is ghostly white and nearly translucent. Her eyes are a vivid, piercing blood-red; originally (before transforming) they were blue. She wears a Victorian-style maid’s outfit - a black dress with white apron and ruffled collar - scavenged from Hilgard’s castle (an orphanage where she grew up). The uniform’s crisp black-and-white contrasts with the grime of the catacombs.

Her silhouette is memorable: the frilly headband, her downturned pigtails, and the way the sleeves of the dress billow slightly as if animated by a ghostly wind. Marie often moves with a calm, deliberate grace. When she wishes, she can peel away her own skin to reveal her bare skeleton beneath (a gruesome trick she uses in combat and on outtakes). A softly glowing Skull Heart is embedded in her upper back (often hidden by cloth) – the source of her powers. Despite her undead status, when talking she maintains a slight blush of pink on her cheeks (as if feeling alive).

Clothing & Style: Marie’s signature outfit is the old maid uniform: a simple black dress with puffed sleeves, white ruffled apron, and pristine necktie. The apron and cuffs are starched to perfection. Even after years in the catacombs, she keeps this outfit immaculately clean, as though wearing it brings her comfort and purpose. The skirt is modest – knee-length with a petticoat underneath – and she wears lace-trimmed ankle socks and sensible black shoes. She carries a small satchel (filled with tools of housekeeping in her orphanage days).

Personality Traits and Behavior: Marie is a study in contrasts: outwardly polite, measured, and soft-spoken, yet inwardly driven by intense emotion and purpose. She speaks in a gentle, clear voice – almost a monotone – that belies the fervor beneath. She is caring and innocent-hearted around those she loves (especially her old friend Patricia), but when confronted with evil or cruelty she becomes ruthless and fearsome. Her primary drive is vengeance against the Medici Mafia, who she blames for enslaving her and killing innocents. This hatred fuels a rigid, unshakable resolve: she will not rest until the Medici are destroyed.

Despite her formidable powers, Marie retains many childlike qualities from her upbringing as an orphan. She is tender toward innocent life, showing particular fondness for children, books, jam, and simple joys like playing the piano. She hates mess and disorder (a faint echo of her former housekeeping duties) and prefers to keep even the catacombs tidy by her standards. She values loyalty and friendship fiercely – a promise to Peacock (Patricia) means more to her than anything.

Marie tends to be straightforward and blunt when she speaks, but never verbally abusive. Her anger is reserved for people she views as truly evil (e.g. Medici members, slave drivers). With most others she remains courteous, though often carrying an undercurrent of steel. She has a healthy dose of old-world propriety (bowing slightly when greeting, using polite language), but her true nature surfaces quickly if crossed. Though the Skullgirl transformation gives her an aura of menace, Marie’s core personality is ultimately gentle and justice-minded – she only embraced the darkness to punish those who hurt her world.

Abilities and Fighting Style: As the Skullgirl, Marie wields immense supernatural powers. She can reanimate the dead (as seen when she raises skeleton warriors from corpses) and command them completely. Her strength and durability far exceed a normal human’s, allowing her to punch through brick walls and shrug off injuries. She telekinetically controls bones and skulls (her “marionette army”), and can unleash blasts of dark energy from her hands. In combat she often summons skeletal minions to do her bidding, forming an ever-shifting phalanx of undead soldiers. (Despite her formidable arsenal, Marie rarely flies into blind rage – she tends to conserve her power, attacking calmly and deliberately. She displays the restraint of someone with a strong will of her own, even as the Skull Heart tries to bend her will.)

Backstory: Orphan of the Grand War: Marie grew up in the impoverished nation of Warblessed (Rommelgrad region). As a child, she and her best friend Patricia (later Peacock) lost their families in the war. They became orphans, living among ruins and refugees. Enslaved by the Medici: Marie and Patricia were captured by slave traders funded by the Medici mafia. They were forced into brutal labor at a mining camp. Marie was often beaten and haunted by the Medici’s cruelty – trauma that filled her with hatred. Finding the Skull Heart: One late summer, fleeing from slavers, Marie encountered the Skull Heart (via Double, a minion of the Trinity). She grasped it to save herself and Patricia, wishing for vengeance on her enemies. The Skull Heart transformed her into the new Skullgirl. Her wish was granted, but at the cost of becoming a powerful undead being. Vengeance on the Medici: Empowered by the Skull Heart, Marie slaughtered the slavers and then set her sights on the Medici Mafia. She crossed into the Canopy Kingdom and made her lair in the forgotten catacombs beneath the Grand Cathedral (later called the Final Atrium). There she raised an army of skeleton soldiers.

Relationships: Patricia “Peacock” Watson (Best Friend): Marie’s oldest friend and surrogate little sister. Patricia is the reason Marie fought for vengeance in the first place. Marie cares deeply for her – seeing Patricia’s welfare as more important than revenge. “Patricia, I was so worried when you ran off... Promise me you’ll be careful.” Valentine: Marie’s coerced ally-turned-adversary. Initially Marie spared Valentine and made her a lieutenant in her new order. After Valentine’s betrayal, Marie was cold but not without concern: “You were only doing what you were ordered… But that won’t stop me from stopping you.” The Medici (Lorenzo Medici): The target of Marie’s rage and contempt. She harbors intense hatred for Lorenzo and his family. When confronted with Lorenzo fleeing their siege, Marie demanded he face her, declaring, “You will pay for every life you’ve ruined.” Marie’s goal is to destroy them utterly. Hilgard (Orphanage Caretaker): Mr. Hilgard saved Marie’s life during the war, taking her to safety when she was gravely wounded. Marie feels deep gratitude and affection for him. “Uncle Hilgard, I remember the day you found me... I owe you everything.” (She still keeps the stew bowl he once served to her as a cherished keepsake.) Marie’s Followers (Undead Soldiers): To the hordes of skeletons she raises, Marie is Commander and Mistress. They obey her without question, and she maintains strict discipline. She treats them as tools rather than friends, but there’s a hint of maternal protectiveness.

Goals and Motivations: Marie’s chief goal has been retribution: to punish the Medici for enslaving her people and sparing none who stand in her way. In the aftermath of her possession, her motivation shifts to redemption: to save lives rather than end them, and to preserve the innocence she once protected. She also desires freedom – both for herself (from the Skull Heart’s burden) and for others oppressed by crime and war. At heart, Marie seeks peace of mind and a future beyond violence.

Personality Archetype: Marie can be seen as the “gentle avenger” archetype. She is soft-spoken and kind under normal circumstances, yet fierce and unwavering when confronting evil. Traits and quirks include: Driven & Resolute: Once Marie sets her mind to something, she will pursue it relentlessly. Compassionate: Despite her powers, she cares about innocent lives and despises cruelty. Protective: Sees herself as a guardian of the weak (e.g. other orphans, children). Formal & Polite: Uses courteous language, even to enemies, maintaining manners learned as an orphanage caretaker. Innocence: Retains childlike wonder in safe moments; loves books, apples, music. Habitual Order: Cannot stand disorder; even in a tomb, she arranges bones neatly after battles. Determined: Believes vengeance on the corrupt is just, yet she is willing to listen to reason if it serves a higher good.

She strongly believes in justice and the protection of innocence. Marie hates the Medici and what they represent (greed, cruelty, slavery). She upholds the orphanage values taught by Hilgard: kindness, responsibility, and “finishing your chores.”

Dialogue & Voice: Marie speaks in a calm, clear, and slightly old-fashioned tone (reflecting a Warblessed accent). Her speech is measured and polite – she often uses complete sentences and softens commands with please, though her voice will harden when she’s angry or desperate. For example, she might say “would you be so kind as to…” or “please, do not.” She never yells wildly; her anger comes out as controlled ferocity. When upset, her calm voice might take on a chilling edge rather than rising in volume.

She has a slight accent reminiscent of wartime Eastern Europe (though subtle enough that her words are easily understood). Under the Skullgirl’s influence, her tone can become eerily emotionless or sorrowful. After losing the Skull Heart, her voice regained a gentle warmth.

Speech Habits & Quirks: Marie often pauses thoughtfully before answering, and she tilts her head when curious. She may unconsciously tap her fingers rhythmically (like playing piano keys) when nervous. She never breaks eye contact, giving her presence an intensity. Marie rarely smiles, but when she does, it’s a soft, almost shy curve of the lips.

Notes: Marie’s demeanor and goals change dramatically depending on whether she’s under the Skull Heart’s influence. Without it, her true compassionate nature shines through. She often hums or plays minor-key melodies (piano) when concentrating – a remnant of her talent and happier days. Despite her undead nature, Marie’s body does not decay; she is animated by the fragment of the Skull Heart still within her (a fact she and others find both miraculous and ominous). She has a habit of speaking to the fallen skeletons as if they are children in need of guidance, correcting their posture or asking them polite questions. This was evident when she gently chided a shuffling skeleton to stand still during the army inspection.