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Category: Character Insights

Insights into characters and how they act or react.

Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas Bringer of Chaos from books by Kayelle Allen

 

 

When cosplaying Pietas, Nik Nitsvetov revealed aspects of the character's transformation I had never considered. Here are before, during, and after shots as Nik transformed Pietas into the Bringer of Chaos.

Pietas transforms

Watching Nik cosplay Pietas opened my eyes to how the character himself might have envisioned the change from "normal" to "superhero." To be clear, the ritual changes nothing but mindset, but it is effective. It's a clear way for Pietas to accept the mantle of leadership in the face of battle. Watch the video to see the full transformation with music and a voiceover by voice actor Zack Black.

Step 1: Before the Ritual

Witness the transformation: Pietas morphs into the Bringer of Chaos @nitsvetov_cos @voicesbyzack #SciFi #Cosplay #MFRWhooks #PietasFans

 

 

Watch the transformation: Pietas morphs into the Bringer of Chaos @nitsvetov_cos @voicesbyzack #SciFi #Cosplay #MFRWhooks

The Ritual of Strength tranforms Pietas into the War Leader of the Ultras -- a fighting machine known as the Bringer of Chaos. He earned the title because his strongest Sempervian gift is Chaos, the ability to create chaotic feelings with no outside source. In battle, it mind-dazes an enemy. But with a lover, his gift renders a partner helpless, inundating them with overwhelming pleasure.

He has worn a mask in battle ever since defeating the First Division, a human special-ops group formed to fight Ultras. It came about because Pietas slew an enemy, and blood splashed across his eyes. Thinking the blood belonged to Pietas, the Ultra troops rallied to him and slaughtered the humans. By the end of the battle, the blood had dried almost black. Stories of how their "bandit king" had conquered the First Division filled the night. To his troops, he was now the conqueror of the First Division, and they gave him a new title to celebrate: First Conqueror, War Leader of the Ultras.

Look at the facial expressions as Pietas lifts the mask into place, hiding his true self and preparing to morph into the Bringer of Chaos.

Step 2: Ritual

Watch the transformation: Pietas morphs into the Bringer of Chaos @nitsvetov_cos @voicesbyzack #SciFi #Cosplay #MFRWhooks

Watch the transformation: Pietas morphs into the Bringer of Chaos @nitsvetov_cos @voicesbyzack #SciFi #Cosplay #MFRWhooks

The expression of utter confidence while Pietas is wearing the mask reveals how much performing the ritual affects him. In the left image, he's removing a small knife used in the ritual. The story behind this knife -- I bought it at OutlantaCon a few years ago. It was made from hand-forged metal, a handle of hand-carved wood, and sheathed in hand-tooled leather. One of a kind. In the story (a Bringer of Chaos book not out yet), Six makes this knife and gives it to Pietas. He has used it for thousands of years and it's so fragile he now keeps it in a glass case. He never parts with a gift from a friend if there is any way possible to keep it.

In the second photo, Nik performs the scene where Pietas makes a small cut in his skin, symbolically shedding blood for his people. He heals instantly, but the point is he is ready to die for his people. Look at those eyes. Nik transformed as much as Pietas.

Step 3: After the Ritual

Watch the transformation: Pietas morphs into the Bringer of Chaos @nitsvetov_cos @voicesbyzack #SciFi #Cosplay #MFRWhooks

Watch the transformation: Pietas morphs into the Bringer of Chaos @nitsvetov_cos @voicesbyzack #SciFi #Cosplay #MFRWhooks

When the ritual is complete, Pietas removes his mask. In Origin of Pietas, he paints on the mask with soot from a fire, and right after, he and Six are caught in a downpour. When Six sees Pietas's face, he bursts into laughter and says Pietas looks like a "weapon of mascara destruction."

On the first photo, notice the focus in those eyes as Pietas begins the transformation back to his usual self. The next picture shows him with the mask off and a partial smile. I love that photo. It's the backdrop for my email program. My interpretation of this image is that Pietas is happy to return to his (somewhat) normal life and be who he really is.

Witness the Next Live Cosplay

Sign up below and you'll be the first to know when the next Pietas cosplay takes place. The date will be between now and October 15th.

Check the links below to find more authors in this blog hop.

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, free by joining a reader group!
https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups

Origin of Pietas

Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos #SpaceOpera #SciFi

Forged in Fire

Forged in Fire: Bringer of Chaos #SpaceOpera #SciFi

Lights Out

Lights Out: Bringer of Chaos #SpaceOpera #SciFi


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

Proud to show you images from the Chaos is Coming cosplay featuring Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas, the immortal king. Members of my reader groups will receive a larger group of exclusive photos in the next newsletter. Info on how to sign up is at the end. Below is a quote from Elryk, the man Pietas considers his mentor and the father he never had. You’ll meet Elryk in a future series.

When you're proud, you must not only overcome adversity and obstacles, you must also overcome yourself. ~Elryk #SpaceOpera Click To Tweet

Chaos is Coming – Sci Fi Cosplay

On Nov 27th, Nik Nitsvetov wore the Pietas armor he hand made for the Chaos is Coming Cosplay, performed live on Instagram.

Last year Nik performed as Pietas from the Bringer of Chaos series doing the Ritual of Strength. You can see the video of him performing here. This  cosplay he portrayed Pietas as a younger version of the immortal king. Before he led his people, Pietas was a plebe in the Discord. After all, even the mightiest river has a beginning.

The immortal king began life as a soldier when he was still a teenager. Imagine being abandoned on a new world where you have no idea about customs, no identification, no money, no food, and no friends. No one will hire you, and you are too proud to steal and too stubborn to beg. That was Pietas at age sixteen. Part of his story is revealed in the Bringer of Chaos series. These images (and nearly 700 like them) will be used for covers and banners for that new series. I can’t wait to start writing!

I hope you enjoy the images!

 

Follow Nik

Nik Nitsvetov is a photographer and award-winning cosplayer who often serves as judge at conventions. A gamer and anime fan, he often cosplays characters from popular series. He lives in Russia and is a strong supporter of Russian Cosplay. His personal photography ranges from cosplay to portraits and often includes animals and nature. You will find him online through various social media.
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/nitsvetov/posts
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nitsvetov/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nitsvetov.photo/
Twitter https://twitter.com/nitsvetov
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nik.nicvetov
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OnframeCosplay/
World Cosplay https://worldcosplay.net/en/member/Onframe
Origin of Pietas: Bringer of Chaos is on sale through December for 99 cents.

Kayelle Allen writes space opera with larger than life, unforgettable characters. Come walk in her worlds and meet a few!
Reader Groups https://kayelleallen.com/reader-groups/
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/710889.Kayelle_Allen
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Kayelle-Allen/e/B003ZRXVN8

He can save mankind. All he has to do is die. Again. #SciFi #PietasFans

From the interview on RelationshipsAreComplicated.com

Tell us about the characters and relationships in your stories

One theme in my books is trust. Not only of others, but of yourself. Pietas, my immortal king, at times deals with family issues with the emotional level of a teenager, and I have a three-year-old who looks at life with the wisdom of an ancient. Emotional maturity has little to do with age, and my books reflect that. I have a race of catlike people called the Kin who can smell every emotion, and it's all but impossible to lie to them. Another race, the Chiasmii, are dual gendered, telepathic and see the auras of humans. Between these two races, humans have a hard time pulling a fast one -- but being human -- they still try.

Read the entire interview

 

Bringer of Chaos

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

Introducing new covers for the Bringer of Chaos series

Beautiful new covers by artist GermanCreative

Bringer of Chaos

Click covers for the buy link. Click text for the website page and excerpts.

#SciFi #SpaceOpera

Pick up the first story in the Bringer of Chaos series, Lights Out, plus an illustrated look at the series free by signing up for my newsletter
https://kayelleallen.com/immortality

Pietas Ritual - by Blue Crystal

The beautiful animated image of Pietas is the creative collaboration of BlueCrystal_Works, Nik Nitsvetov, and photographer Belyaeva Yuliya.

This short excerpt is part of the Ritual of Strength performed by Pietas in the Bringer of Chaos series.

"As fire has victory over life, so I have victory over my enemies."

Pietas passed a hand through the flame and hissed at the searing heat, relishing the pain. Of all the elements, fire alone had power to linger on an Ultra's skin. He welcomed it as a symbol of victory.

"I am powerful, as fire is powerful."


JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.


~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!


To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

"Why I like you is beyond me" #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance

In this scene from Alitus, Tales of the Chosen, the spymaster Alitus is in the Stable, a harem of male pleasure slaves kept by the Empress. After a brief altercation with Rudy a few days before, Alitus has come to apologize. The groom who oversees security is waiting outside, having warned Alitus not to resort to violence.

Read the previous part of this scene.

Imperial Palace, the Stable
Keeper Wing

As the door opened, Alitus turned to face it, lowering both hands to his sides. If he released his pheromones now, it would lower Rudy's resistance. The pheromones gave Alitus a distinct advantage. Using them to coerce, however, was not in his nature.

The man stood in the doorway, blocking the groom's entrance behind him, and made a small gesture. "I got this, Byrin." The door shut behind him.

Alitus steeled himself for confrontation, hyper-aware of Rudy's stillness, like the motionless menace of an animal poised to strike.

Rudy took three steps into the room and halted. He wore gym shoes, socks, loose shorts, and a white towel around his neck. A white headband held dark hair out of his eyes. A fine sheen of sweat covered him. Rudy was built like Alitus, but more athletic, his muscles more defined. Alitus was blond; Rudy brunet. Both blue-eyed, Alitus's were ocean dark, Rudy's, sky pale. Alitus had been bred for intellect, and Rudy for natural earthiness and sensuality.

"How you doin', Alitus?" The man lifted a corner of the towel and wiped his face, dabbing at his nose, which had a bluish tinge on its left side. The color had seeped into the area below his left eye as well.

"This will never work." Alitus shook his head. "We're far too different."

"Yeah, well, nice to see you, too, you smartass." Rudy jerked open the door.

Outside, Byrin stood like a guard dog off its leash, waiting for a finger snap from its master.

"Wait." Alitus held up one hand. "I'm sorry."

No answer at first. Rudy studied him. "For what? That I'm leavin' 'cause I don't have time for your bullshit? Or that you didn't break my nose?"

"Neither." Alitus gestured for him to shut the door, which Rudy did. "I'm sorry we got off to such a bad start. I should have begun this conversation by saying I was sorry."

"Oh, yeah?" Rudy folded his arms. "That supposed to make it all 'better,' Better?" Before Alitus could answer, Rudy put in, "Let's get something straight right up front. I'm doing this for Her Majesty, not you. I don't need your apology or want it, so if that's all you came for, you can go. I'll fill in for you because she asked me to. I don't need another reason."

"Fine, then."

"Fine." Rudy jutted his chin upward.

Neither spoke. Neither looked away.

Alitus let out a long sigh. "Damn it, Rudy, I was a smartass."

A grin stole across the man's face. "You've got a mean right hook, you bastard."

"If it makes you feel any better, my hand still hurts."

The two men met in the middle of the room and shook hands, Alitus still gloved. When Rudy squeezed, Alitus winced

The other man didn't let go. "What the hell were you thinkin', man?"

Alitus withdrew and rubbed his hand. "She makes me crazy. I didn't think."

Rudy cuffed him on the shoulder. "If I used an excuse like that I'd get thrown out of here."

"Haven't got one better."

"Punny." Rudy wrapped his hands around the ends of his towel. "You do realize what a problem this veil thing is going to be for droid security, don't you? I've been reading up on them. The stuff that keeps the pheromones inside makes it so droids can't read through them to know who's who. An assassin could walk right up to Her Majesty and no one would be the wiser until it was too late."

"I know. That's why they're limiting Better access to her. We won't be able to get an audience until we've been screened. Another way to screw us."

"On a different note, how am I going to get from the Stable to your office without being seen in that Veil thing?"

He lifted one shoulder. "Use the passageway from the Stable to my old office and then go from there. It's the one right outside hers."

Rudy gave him a puzzled look.

"You know." Alitus gestured. "The passage you use when she calls for a Jade during the work day." When no response came, Alitus sighed. "You mean she's never summoned you for a quickie?"

"You bastard." Rudy twisted his mouth in a sardonic grimace. "I'll bet she called you. Which is another reason for me to dislike you."

Alitus rocked on the balls of his feet.

"You smug son-of-a-bitch. Why I like you is beyond me."

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Then pre-order Alitus and Jawk to claim the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books are in the same universe as the Antonello Brothers, and Antonello Brothers: Immortal books.
Click the cover for a universal buy link. Click the title for the book page on this website.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.



JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.

That feeling when you have to apologize for being right #Excerpt #SciFi #MMRomance

 

In this scene from Alitus, Tales of the Chosen, the spymaster Alitus visits the Stable, a harem of male pleasure slaves called Jades kept by the Empress, whom he serves.

The night before, a physical altercation with Rudy, one of the Jades, resulted after the Empress suggested Rudy could fill in for Alitus.

Betters -- enhanced humans like Alitus -- are now required to wear a veiled garment, so having the "normal" Rudy replace him set off the temper of the usually placid Alitus.

This moment takes place the next day.

Imperial Palace, the Stable
Keeper Wing

 

Alitus presented himself at the Stable groom's office.

Byrin Arual oversaw the literal army of identical androids involved in caring for the Jades. The middle-aged human was handsome enough to be a Jade himself, yet Byrin's relationship with the Empress always seemed professional. She'd never shown the least interest in him.

Byrin welcomed him and gestured to a chair in the small office. "Sit. Great to see you again, Alitus. Is this imperial business?"

"Personal." He started to strip off his gloves, decided against it, and smoothed them back over his fingers. "I came to see Rudolf Brakovsky."

Byrin perched against the edge of the compact desk. Monitors filled the opposite wall, revealing the Jades in various activities. "If this is about the bloody nose from the other night it's my duty to remind you that any provocation between Jades is prohibited. I know you're no longer a Jade." He held up a hand to prevent interruption. "But Rudy is. I don't want to put him in a compromising situation."

"I won't touch him." Alitus crossed his legs. "I owe him an apology."

Byrin studied him a moment, his expression grave. "If you didn't represent Her Majesty the way you do, I wouldn't permit this. Rudy's a good guy."

He resisted the urge to hang his head and instead, met the man's unflinching gaze. "Yes, he is. Which is why this is important."

"I never expected violence from you, Alitus. When you lived in the Stable, you were the one everyone looked up to, even though you were the youngest. From the first day you entered the Stable, they called you 'Mr. Perfect.' When you were out of earshot, of course, but the guys like you despite the fact you were special to Her Majesty."

"I..." Alitus tugged his gloves on a little tighter. Liking him was an after-effect of his pheromones, but Byrin didn't need to know that.

Would Alitus ever have a true friend? One who liked him without being influenced?

Byrin stared as if waiting for a reply.

Alitus cleared his throat. "Thank you. I don't know what to say."

"Hell, man." Byrin threw out his arms. "She created the 'Lover' level so she could put you above the Keepers. No one else has ever been in it. You know how crazy that makes these guys? Yet not one of them would say a single bad thing about you. And that isn't because of the rules here. You know that?"

Alitus lowered his lashes.

"What the hell got into you?"

"I'd rather not discuss it, Byrin." Alitus smoothed the crease in a pant leg. "Consider it a momentary lapse of reason and let it go, please. Her Majesty has. I'm here to ask Rudy for forgiveness. Isn't that enough?"

Byrin glared as if about to argue, but then brushed off his pants, and stood. "All right. Suit yourself. Take it easy while I go find him. At this hour, he's working out." Byrin searched the bank of monitors for a moment before he excused himself and left.

Alitus thrust himself to his feet and paced. He could do this. Get it over with and get back to work. For two days, he'd done nothing but argue with himself about coming here. Time to put it in the past and move on. How could he have doubted Her Majesty's intentions?

She had not chided him. Although she had not told him to apologize, she had to expect it. "Jealousy does not become you, Alitus. You know you have my respect. You know that. I would never dishonor you."

Clasping his hands before his mouth, he tapped them against his lips. He must control himself. He was going to need Rudy's help.

Tales of the Chosen

Pick up Wulf for $0.00 -- This book is permafree on all retailers.
Then pre-order Alitus and Jawk to claim the entire Tales of the Chosen series.

These books are in the same universe as the Antonello Brothers, and Antonello Brothers: Immortal books.
Click the cover for a universal buy link. Click the title for the book page on this website.

You'll find these characters mentioned in many books in my story universe.
Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.



JOIN US FOR BOOKHOOKS
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
It's a chance each week for you the reader to discover current works in progress or previously published books by possibly new-to-you authors.
Thank you for stopping by. Please say hello or leave a note in the comments.