Amsel

Amsel
Details
Race	Human
Birthplace	Kessig, Innistrad
Lifetime	(Mending Era)

Amsel is a demon-cursed former Cathar and thief on the plane of Innistrad.

Description

Amsel had blue eyes and black hair, and was noted for his exceptional climbing abilities, described as "climbs like a ghoul." Amsel exhibited traits of determination, loyalty, and a strong sense of duty. He was deeply committed to his service to Avacyn and the church, often prioritizing his duties over personal relationships. Despite the challenges and near-fatal encounters, he faced on his missions, Raben was resolute and driven by a sense of responsibility, both to his adoptive father, Jofridus, and to his faith. His writings reveal a compassionate side, particularly in his concern for his friend Reika Eberhardt, but also a willingness to engage in deception and violence when he deemed it necessary for his mission. Raben struggled with feelings of doubt and fear of failure, particularly regarding his father's expectations and Avacyn's approval.

History

Amsel grew up as a thief and amassed a 300 sovereign reward at age 13, before being adopted by Father Jofridus and given the name "Raben", after the Thraben Cathedral. He trained as a cathar at the Elgaud Grounds with Reika Eberhardt and served as a strategist leading cathars in Kessig. Amsel was tasked by Jofridus with retrieving a cursed blade named the Bloodletter, a mission that took him to various hostile locations such as the village of Hanweir, the town of Erdwal, and eventually a vampire's castle in Stensia. He retrieved the cursed blade after finding and killing the vampire lord Thatu Reiniger, who had been abandoned by his fellow vampires. Along the way, Amsel reunited with Reika, who was also embroiled in her struggles.

Amsel recounts a harrowing confrontation in the moors, where he and Reika are besieged by hordes of the undead. They found temporary refuge with a young man named Geralf Cecani, only to discover his true nature as a necromancer embroiled in a feud with his sister, Gisa. Despite the chaos and danger, Amsel managed to secure the cursed blade and sought to return to Thraben Cathedral. His bond with Reika was deepening, and he had a sense of urgency to warn his father about the threats they uncovered.

When Amsel brought the cursed blade to Jofridus, Reika suddenly declared that Jofridus was a cultist of the Skirsdag and a demon-worshipper. In response, Jofridus murdered Reika and tried to recruit Amsel into a demonic pact for eternal life. This betrayal shattered Amsel's faith in Jofridus and forced him to flee, branded a heretic. From then on, Amsel was determined to seek justice for Reika's death.

Amsel sought refuge and guidance from Elder Adila Rimheit, who had a personal connection to Reika. Rimheit commanded Amsel to capture Jofridus and expose his corruption to the Lunarch. Despite recognizing the complexities and potential fallout of such an action, Amsel agreed to the mission, driven by a desire to avenge Reika and bring justice.

Amsel's final confrontation with Jofridus took place in a cavern beneath Thraben Cathedral. He faced a demonic manifestation of Reika, which Jofridus had created, and after a brutal battle, he destroyed it. Severely wounded, Amsel confronted Jofridus and killed him with the cursed blade, the Bloodletter. On the brink of death, Amsel chose to don the unholy yoke that Jofridus had worn, sacrificing his humanity to survive and continue his quest for justice.

In his last journal entry, Amsel renounced his former identity, acknowledging that he had become something different, something beyond human. He resolved to carry out his mission to deliver justice, even at the cost of his soul. His transformation marked the end of Raben Amsel, as he forsook the tainted name "Raben" that Jofridus had given him and returned to his original name, Amsel.

Story appearances

Title	Author	Publishing date	Set	Setting (plane)	Featuring
The Cursed Blade	Ryan Miller	2011-10-24	Innistrad	Innistrad	Amsel, Reika Eberhardt, Jofridus, Thatu Reiniger, Adila Rimheit, Holger Burk, Pitre, Lorelei Garensun, Jurgen Garensun, Gisa Cecani, Geralf Cecani, Elsi Rimheit, Albrecht, Mikaeus Cecani, Trinar, Roller, Detlef, Ekka, Joiva, Mahus, Amphe, Samson, Einrich, Wilhelm Brandt, Dartan, Jolen, Tobor, Lywer, Gregel, Lucilla, Dadine, H. Karlmahn, Iroe, Forlith, Hantsen, Whip, Adalee Burk, Jana Burk, Mikel Burk, Waechter, Gundie, Martyn, M. Leutster, Krig, Lipseg, Oebbe, The Claw, Jorgin Rimheit, Cristemian, R. Meintor, Analise, Nordemann, Duerg, Frietz, Greftieg, Callan Ahnstat, Mauer