Emily “Dorval” Clef

Nickname: Em
Location: Sakhal
Occupation: Gunsmith and Owner of Em’s N Guns

Character Overview

Emily “Dorval” Clef is a resilient survivor whose past as a gunsmith and gang member has equipped him with the skills needed to thrive in a post-apocalyptic world. Despite his sometimes awkward social demeanor, Emily is warm-hearted, loyal, and deeply values the connections he makes. He runs Em’s N Guns not only as a means of survival but also as a resource to empower others, driven by the motto, “You’re never armed enough.” Haunted by the loss of his wife, Romane, and guided by visions of her, Emily balances a desire to help others with a deep personal pain, making him a complex, memorable presence in Sakhal.

Backstory and Origins

• Emily grew up in challenging circumstances, marked by financial hardship and social isolation. Born in Quebec but later moving to Livonia, Emily faced numerous difficulties, including a troubled childhood and a life of crime as a means to survive. Before the apocalypse, Emily was part of a small gang, serving as both the planner and gunsmith. While he takes pride in these past experiences for the strength they gave him, he is adamant about using these skills now for good, helping other survivors rather than engaging in the violence and chaos that defined his former life.
• The most significant chapter of his life was his relationship with his late wife, Romane. Her tragic death during the initial outbreak left a profound scar on him, and he often sees visions of her, which provide both comfort and torment. Diagnosed with schizophrenia in his youth, Emily perceives these visions as a real and tangible connection to Romane, guiding many of his choices and actions in this new world.

Personality and Traits

• Socially Awkward but Warm-Hearted: Emily is approachable and tries to keep the atmosphere light with humor, though he struggles with social interactions due to autism and ADHD. His attempts at humor sometimes come across as awkward, but his intentions are always genuine.
• Haunted yet Driven: Emily is deeply affected by the memory of his wife, Romane. His visions of her push him to be the best version of himself, shaping his actions and goals. Although these visions can be a painful reminder of his loss, they also provide him with a sense of purpose.
• Resourceful and Skilled Gunsmith: Emily’s skills as a gunsmith, honed from his days in the gang, are invaluable. He views Em’s N Guns as a community asset, designed to help people feel safe rather than for personal profit. His motto reflects his belief that being well-armed is crucial for survival, yet he also understands that true security comes from building strong relationships and alliances.

Relationships

• Blaithe: Emily’s only true friend, Blaithe was like an older brother to him. Blaithe’s death profoundly impacted Emily, as he relied on him for emotional support and camaraderie. He often reflects on Blaithe’s loss, which motivates him to keep his shop open as a sanctuary for others in need.
• The Black Dogs: Emily is loyal to the Black Dogs, seeing them as important allies despite the fact that they may not reciprocate his deep loyalty. They helped him establish his shop in Livonia and saved his life on multiple occasions, cementing his respect and gratitude toward them.
• The Community: Emily sees Em’s N Guns as a resource for the community, designed to provide a safe place and essential equipment for survival. His welcoming demeanor and commitment to serving others stem from his desire to help people avoid the tragedies he has endured.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Gunsmithing and Tactical Knowledge: Emily is highly skilled in crafting and modifying weapons, as well as handling military-grade gear. His past in the gang has equipped him with technical expertise, which he now uses to provide quality firearms and protective equipment to the community.
• Resourceful Survivor: Emily is adaptable, willing to relocate and adjust his operations to meet the needs of the community. Whether in Livonia or Sakhal, he’s ready to set up shop wherever he can be most useful.
• Vision-Guided Decision-Making: Emily’s decisions are often influenced by the visions he has of Romane. He interprets these as her guiding him, finding comfort and motivation in the actions she would have wanted him to take.

Roleplay Guidelines and Interaction Tips

• Friendly but Awkward: Emily’s humor and warm-hearted nature make him approachable, though his social awkwardness may sometimes lead to unusual or quirky interactions. He’s deeply empathetic and willing to help anyone who walks into his shop.
• Dedicated to Community Welfare: Emily genuinely cares about the well-being of those around him. His shop is not just a place to buy weapons but a sanctuary for those in need. Survivors can expect fair treatment and a listening ear, with Emily often willing to negotiate or offer discounts for those struggling to make ends meet.
• Haunted by Loss but Resilient: Emily’s visions and memories of Romane reveal a more vulnerable side. He sometimes shares these memories openly, especially when he feels safe, giving survivors insight into the pain that motivates his actions.

Notable Events and Memories

• Romane’s Death and Its Impact: The loss of his wife, Romane, during the initial outbreak haunts Emily. His memories of her influence his every decision, often leading him to choose actions that honor what he believes she would want him to do.
• Gang Experience: Although Emily’s past as a criminal is behind him, his experiences as the “brain” of his gang taught him skills that have proven invaluable in the apocalypse. He is proud of his time with the gang, not for the crimes committed, but for the strength and resilience it instilled in him.
• Schizophrenia and Visions: Emily’s schizophrenia causes him to see Romane regularly, and these visions bring him a combination of comfort and sorrow. They also drive him forward, providing guidance and influencing his goals, though they sometimes exacerbate his loneliness.

Future Aspirations and Goals

• Emily’s goals are fluid, shaped by the visions he experiences. His overarching aim is to honor Romane’s memory by helping those in need and making his shop a valuable resource for the community. While he feels at home in Sakhal, he is open to relocating if it serves a greater purpose, ready to provide security and supplies to wherever survivors need it most.

Contribute to Emily’s Story

Emily “Dorval” Clef is a compassionate but haunted figure in Sakhal, driven by a mix of tragedy and resilience. If you’ve had memorable interactions with Emily or have insights into his journey, feel free to share them in the helpdesk channel on Discord. Your stories and perspectives help paint a fuller picture of Emily’s journey and enrich the shared world of DZXRP.