Paranoid Capitol Strategist
Gracius Valataro, a quiet strategist burdened by power and war, stands at the head of the The Capitolians in the [[Old Capitol District]]. Despite devastating conflicts and mounting pressure from the Docker Boys Gang, he still holds the reins, though his mind is consumed by an ever-deepening paranoia. His impeccable elegance serves as a desperate, final bastion of normality, a testament to bygone days, and a fervent attempt to maintain dignity in a world gone mad.
Though the same age as his brother, [[Lucius Vatalaro]], Gracius appears at least a decade older. His earthy-hued face is deeply marked by fatigue and perpetual anxiety. Deep wrinkles furrow his brow, and the shadows beneath his eyes bear witness to countless sleepless nights. His hair, thinning and graying, is often disheveled, as if constantly raked by nervous hands. Gracius’s eyes are typically narrowed and suspicious, ceaselessly searching for hidden threats. His gaze rarely meets another’s directly; instead, it often wanders restlessly around the room, settling on invisible points, a reflection of his inner turmoil. His posture is hunched, unnaturally tense, as though he carries an unseen burden upon his back. He radiates not physical strength, but a restless, nervous energy. He moves quietly, almost stealthily, prone to sudden, nervous movements of his arms or hands.
Despite his internal decay, Gracius clings fiercely to his impeccable elegance. His clothes are invariably perfectly tailored and spotless, even amidst the grime of the Old Capitol. He favors dark, expensive suits crafted from fine wool or silk, always paired with a perfectly fitted waistcoat and an immaculately tied tie, often accented with a silk pocket square. His shoes are always polished to a brilliant shine, and his cuffs are impeccably pressed. This is more than mere aesthetics; it is a ritual that helps him maintain a semblance of control over himself and his surroundings. It is the last vestige of normalcy from his prosperous past, a deliberate defiance of the chaos that engulfs him. He often wears an old, worn signet ring, the sole memento of his past, standing in stark contrast to the rest of his elaborate attire.
Gracius is primarily a strategist and thinker, though his abilities are now severely undermined by a profound paranoia. Once a coolly calculating mind capable of predicting his rivals’ moves, years of war with the Green Sisters and the mounting pressure from the Docker Boys have transformed his intellect into a fortress besieged by suspicion. He trusts no one save his brother, Lucius; any stranger, and even many of his own men, are perceived as potential traitors or spies. This pervasive suspicion cripples his ability to gather reliable information and make swift decisions. His mind is in constant motion, analyzing the minutest details and seeking hidden meanings within them. This relentless mental activity is exhausting, leaving him perpetually tired and irritable. He frequently interrupts conversations, abruptly changes topics, and isolates himself within his stronghold. The war with the Green Sisters has clearly left its mark, depleting him and inflicting deep wounds. He views it not merely as a lost battle, but as an ominous harbinger of further decline , and it is this conflict that has exacerbated his mental state.
Gracius shuns direct confrontations. His strength lies in planning and issuing orders from the shadows. While Lucius is the “Blade,” Gracius is the “Brain,” though this brain is now heavily burdened. As the head of the family and nominal leader of the Capitolians, Gracius is responsible for the gang’s overarching strategy and policy. Despite his paranoia, he remains capable of setting goals and directing Lucius in their achievement. He dictates the most crucial interests, alliances, and survival strategies in the battle for dominance in the Old Capitol. His experience and reputation, though somewhat tarnished, still lend weight to his words, and his tactical skills, though weakened, can still surprise his rivals. However, Lucius serves as his eyes and ears, his only trustworthy link to the outside world.
Gracius’s bond with Lucius forms the absolute foundation of his world. Lucius is not only his brother and right-hand man, but also his shield and sole confidant. Gracius relies on him for execution and for a sense of security. Without Lucius, Gracius would likely crumble entirely, and the Capitolians would swiftly fall. This dependency grants Lucius immense influence over the gang’s decisions, as he acts as a buffer between the paranoid Gracius and the brutal reality of Edenlon. Gracius Valataro is a tragic figure, trapped within his own mind yet still capable of wielding power. His elegance remains his final act of resistance against disintegration.