SHADE

 Character Profile: Gabriel "Shade" Benoit

Basic Information

- **Full Name:** Gabriel Benoit

- **Alias:** Shade

- **Age:** 32

- **Gender:** Male

- **Occupation:** Hoodoo Practitioner, Herbalist, Spiritual Advisor

- **Affiliation:** Independent

Physical Description

- **Height:** 6'0"

- **Build:** Athletic, slightly more muscular than his brother

- **Hair:** Short and curly, black

- **Eyes:** Hazel with a hint of green, often described as piercing

- **Complexion:** Dark, with faint scars from past encounters

- **Attire:** Prefers simple, practical clothing—often seen in a combination of jeans, boots, and a button-up shirt. Wears a necklace with a protective amulet and carries a satchel filled with hoodoo supplies.

Background

Gabriel Benoit, like his brother Damien, was born and raised in New Orleans. Though he was exposed to both voodoo and hoodoo, he gravitated more towards hoodoo due to its practical applications and connection to everyday life. Gabriel has always been fascinated by the natural world and its hidden powers, leading him to become a skilled herbalist and spiritual advisor.

Skills and Abilities

- **Hoodoo Mastery:** Expert in creating mojo bags, spiritual baths, and protective amulets. Skilled in the use of herbs, roots, and other natural elements to cast spells and charms.

- **Herbalist:** Extensive knowledge of medicinal and magical properties of plants and herbs. Can concoct potions and remedies for various ailments.

- **Divination:** Proficient in reading bones, cards, and other tools for fortune-telling and spiritual guidance.

- **Protection Spells:** Specializes in creating strong protective wards and charms to shield individuals and homes from harm.

- **Hexes and Curses:** Capable of casting potent hexes and curses against enemies or those who seek to do harm.

- **Combat Skills:** Trained in self-defense, using a cane with hidden compartments for hoodoo ingredients.

Personality

- **Pragmatic:** Focused on practical solutions and direct action, often acting as a counterbalance to Damien’s more mystical approach.

- **Loyal:** Deeply loyal to his family and friends, willing to go to great lengths to protect them.

- **Resourceful:** Able to adapt quickly to changing situations and make use of whatever is at hand.

- **Guarded:** Keeps his emotions and personal thoughts closely guarded, preferring to reveal little about his inner world.

Equipment

- **Hoodoo Satchel:** A leather bag filled with various herbs, roots, oils, and other hoodoo supplies.

- **Cane:** A sturdy walking cane with hidden compartments for carrying small ritual items and herbs.

- **Mojo Bags:** Personal protective charms and spells contained in small pouches, carried at all times.

- **Tarot Deck:** Used for divination and gaining insight into future events.

Goals and Motivations

Gabriel’s main goal is to use his hoodoo skills to protect and empower his community. He seeks to provide practical solutions and spiritual guidance to those in need, while also guarding against supernatural threats. He values tradition and the wisdom passed down through generations, aiming to preserve and honor these practices.

Allies and Enemies

- **Allies:** Local community members, other hoodoo practitioners, and those who seek his counsel.

- **Enemies:** Those who misuse hoodoo for personal gain, corrupt authorities, and malevolent spirits.

Notable Relationships

- **Brother:** Damien "Rook" Benoit, with whom he shares a deep bond despite their different approaches to the occult.

- **Mentor:** Papa Lou, an elder hoodoo practitioner who taught him the intricacies of the craft.

- **Rival:** Marie LaVeau II, a self-proclaimed voodoo queen with questionable ethics and methods.

- **Client:** Clara Devereaux, a long-time client and friend who frequently seeks his guidance and protection.

Summary

Gabriel "Shade" Benoit is a dedicated and resourceful hoodoo practitioner, deeply connected to the natural and spiritual world. With a focus on practical magic and protective spells, he serves his community as a healer and guardian, using his extensive knowledge of hoodoo and herbalism to combat both mundane and supernatural threats. Though he walks a different path from his brother Damien, their bond remains strong as they work together to maintain balance and protect those they care about.