The Damphel is also known as the Blood Cardinal. It is a small bird, weighing only 165 grams. Its plumage is the color of dried blood, but other areas of the bird, such its beak and feet, are a deep, fleshy pink.
The most interesting feature of the Damphel are the bony projections that extrude from its head, in the approximate location where a normal cardinal would have a feathered crown. These projections are a veiny pink, which appear to be tied to the cardinal’s nervous system and brain. This strange adaptation has been employed by those with knowledge of the beast for centuries.
If one can obtain a blood cardinal, and prick their finger upon the bone crown, an interesting reaction occurs. The cardinal will sit quietly for approximately 30 seconds, then take flight, leading the owner of the blood it bears to the thing they most desire.
Why this occurs is unknown. It is theorized that the blood is somehow absorbed by the cardinal’s bone crown and signals are sent to its avian brain. However, it has been noted the bone crown must pierce the skin; blood that has been exposed to open air will not activate its seeking mechanism.
Because of this power the Damphel is used by investigators, treasure hunters, and thieves. It is also used by those whose loved ones have disappeared or been kidnapped. Young romantics often use the blood cardinal to attempt to find love, but beware: if your motives are impure, and you seek carnal desire, it will simply take you to the most likely candidate.
A lord with a Damphel as a totem will be seen as a seeker of things, and person of great desire and passion. They will also be seen as a possessive person, with many wants and needs. They may be thought of as quick to change their hearts, or uncertain, as the Damphel is needed to guide them. Of course, if the holder of the totem engages in a life of service, this perception changes, as they often help others seek what they want most.
The Damphel was the totem of Saint Raphael Christholm, Valadin and head of King Thane I’s Quests and Crusades division. Christholm was a famed seeker of lost artifacts, and secured many treasures for his King, most famously recovering the King’s amulet after it was stolen by “Lord” Herne in AA 4137.
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