Clifford "Tarquin" Belfort

Clifford is the tritagonist of Dancing with the Dead. He is a disgraced magician in search of a new life within the E.V.S.

History

Clifford originates from 1850’s North Yorkshire and was born to a wealthy family. He claims his early life was riddled with misfortunes of an unknown nature. In 1881, during a trip to Venice, he was turned by an unknown Sire.

In March of 1975, he departed Venice to return to England on foot. He claims this was due to a life-threatening legal situation, most likely a Tenet Violation. Clifford also claims his trip was difficult to make, spending his initial escape from Italy in a state of drunken abandon. This also included the killing of livestock in order to feed himself. Upon entering France, he received harassment from the vampires there for his Rogue status. Early into his crossing of France, he met his dog Princess in Cannes. Taking pity on her, and specifically citing France as “disgusting”, he decided to adopt her.

Upon reaching Calais, Clifford snuck onto a commercial ferry that was set for Dover. Throughout his travels in England, Clifford had frequent and violent encounters with human criminals. During this time, it’s heavily implied that he met the infamous career-criminal Black James. The latter’s speech towards him in Episode 7 suggests they were on friendly terms until Clifford initiated into the E.V.S.

After reaching North Yorkshire, he initiated in the Woodsgrave catacombs and received accommodation. Unfortunately for Clifford this respite was short-lived. On the same night as Edgar and Crystin’s initiation, he was forcibly relocated into their shack. Episode 10 reveals that Clifford did not take this well, and complained to Woodsgrave’s Hamlet Representatives. According to Claudius’s familiar, Arthur, Clifford was so unruly that he had to be removed from the premises.

Personality

Clifford is a pugnacious man that straddles decades of unanswered questions. By default, he alternates between quiet disdain and explosive fits of temper. This is especially plain when he feels challenged or personally criticised. While Clifford resents his anger, he struggles to control it. To less sympathetic characters, he appears to weaponise it.

Beneath the bluster, Clifford has an intense desire for external validation. Clifford pines for companionship, but is insecure about his capacity for healthy love. He’s convinced of his own alleged evil, which is only compounded by his negative past experiences. He tries to process his guilt, but none of his current method's seem to give him relief. He commonly tells stories to willing parties, hoping they’ll soothe his wounded self-esteem. When he’s alone, he resorts to drinking, seemingly unaware of his addictive tendencies.

Yet, when he feels safe to, Clifford is abundantly capable of showing altruism. Most notably, adopting Princess and agreeing to guide Edgar and Crystin through their Society. With more friends and his past addressed in full, Clifford may finally take off the armour he’s put himself in.

Appearance

Clifford resembles a man in his early thirties’. He has long hair that trails down to his shoulders. His face has a defined jawline, coupled with a long pointed nose, large eyes and a mild overbite. Unlike other vampires, Clifford’s pupils are noticeably dilated. His body has a top-heavy, muscular frame with well-defined forearms. It is also noticeably hairy, and his chest hair is frequently visible. In coloured renders, Clifford has light green skin, Venetian Red hair and yellow eyes.

Trivia

• His willingness to kill humans suggests the possibility of him being a man-eater. However, Clifford is yet to divulge how he feels about it.
• Clifford has the ability to conceal Princess in his chest hair.
• Clifford engages in divination, specifically with Tarot.
• Clifford is a skilled swordsman, an ability he takes great pride in. By default he carries a Cinquedea, a northern Italian shortsword.