Felix_Starhemberg

It is said that war changes men. In the case of young Count Felix von Starhemberg, it is sadly true.

Men celebrate the young Count's valor and his dedication to his country. He did not win the war, of course, because the war was so large and so terrible that history will record that the nations that did not collapse in it's wake were those that 'won' it. Countless lives were destroyed and many more ruined from wounds, both physical and mental.

Young Felix used to be a young man full of life and charm, quick with a joke and quicker with a smile. He was caring and compassionate, a lover of children and the delight of the ladies. But these days, he is more withdrawn... some say cold. He still smiles, but rare is the time when it reaches his eyes. Gone is his industrious vigor, replaced with a seemingly calculating malaise that pervades all he does. Oh, he still visits the social gatherings of the rich and affluent, and he jokes with all the other returned officers in their smart and polished uniforms, accepting drinks and pats upon the back with equal ease... but he talks about his time in the war rarely. Few of his old passions and amusements seem to sustain him, anymore. Of them, only hunting seems to bring warmth to his deadened heart. But though he still hunts in the traditional manner, it is what he hunts that is different.

For now, Count Felix von Starhemberg hunts women.

Why? None can say... those that are aware, that is. The young Count keeps his activities a secret, of course. There would be an awful scandal if a national hero were to be discovered doing something so monstrous. And yet, it is something that he does, using his money and connections to keep his unhealthy appetites discreet.

A young woman that catches the count's eye may find herself abducted, waking up in the middle of the expansive von Starhemberg property in the middle of the mountains, with only a few meager supplies and the clothing upon her back. Sometimes, she will even be given a note explaining her situation.

From there, the hunt is on. Perhaps the Count will hunt on horseback, with a pack of dogs, or a team of trackers. Perhaps he will walk out into the woods alone with nothing but a sword. His tastes change and he seems to have a fondness for trying new scenarios. They have thus far always ended the same, however, with a poor unfortunate dead or devoured at the Count's hands. It is hard to say why the Count does this or what, ultimately, will sate his newfound sadism... if anything even can.